Kerala Industries Minister bats for work-from-home

IBM has opened a new Gen-AI Innovation Centre at Lulu Tower in Infopark Phase I at Kakkanad in Kochi, which was inaugurated by Kerala's Minister of law, industries and coir, P. Rajeev.

On the inaugural address, the minister stressed Kerala's advantages for businesses, including sustainable transport, clean air and water, as well as a highly educated workforce. He said, “Work from Kerala is the new policy of the government, leveraging the unique advantages the state offers.” He further added, “Kerala prides in its special features such as sustainable transport facilities, clean air and water besides open-minded people. We have created an environment where Malayali employees of global companies can work by staying in their home state.”

For international customers

Vishal Chahal, Vice-President of IBM India, explained that the centre would focus on supporting the company’s international customers. “Mainly, we have three elements: a facility for international customers to make presentations; another for employees to conduct workshops and consultations for/with customers; and a third to groom students and startups,” he said. 

Mr Chahal also pointed out that local educational institutions and students would have the opportunity to collaborate with the Gen-AI lab and conduct product prototypes and experiments at no cost. “Higher education institutions and students can conduct product prototypes and experiments at the Gen-AI lab free of cost,” he confirmed.

Minister Rajeev took a tour of the new Gen-AI centre, where IBM representatives provided a presentation on the centre’s software activities. The inauguration also featured artwork by local artists from regions like Perumatty (Palakkad), Nilambur (Malappuram), and Eroor (Ernakulam), who were honoured during the event.