Kerala may soon begin integrating artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI (GenAI), into routine government functions to improve efficiency and citizen services. Industries minister P Rajeeve indicated this possibility during the inauguration of IBM’s Ecosystem Incubation Center (EIC) at Infopark, Kochi on July 15.
While stressing that no final decision has been made, Rajeeve said the government is actively exploring the idea. He emphasised the need for informed discussions before adopting AI tools in administration, adding that privacy and data protection would remain key concerns. “This kind of a change could be very beneficial to the people,” he said, signalling cautious optimism.
The minister noted that the government had earlier drawn up a draft under the ‘Industry 4.0’ plan to introduce AI in the industrial space. Feedback from stakeholders, he said, will shape what happens next.
Kerala, known for its high literacy and scientific outlook, might be fertile ground for such tech experiments, but policymakers are still weighing the risks and rewards.
The newly inaugurated IBM Ecosystem Incubation Center aims to boost innovation, bring together start-ups, enterprises and academics, and provide early-stage companies a space to grow, collaborate and build skills. It could become a nerve centre for AI-related development, particularly for businesses exploring hybrid cloud solutions and AI applications.
IBM software senior vice president Dinesh Nirmal in a news report quoted as saying Kerala had the upper hand when it came to talent and operational capability.
He pointed out the State’s strong IT ecosystem and solid transport links. “This incubation centre is meant to tap into that,” he said, adding that IBM would work closely with Kerala Startup Mission, Infopark, Technopark and educational institutions to develop practical solutions.
The State’s education sector seems to be in a good place to support this shift. According to the minister, 16 Kerala colleges are among the country’s top 100, while three universities made it to the top 20 list. That’s the kind of academic backing that might help translate AI experiments from theory to practice.