Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 10 October 2025 — In a landmark step toward advancing India’s AI-led development, TechBharat Research Foundation has announced a collaboration with Google Cloud India to establish the country’s first AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Public Good. This initiative marks a significant stride in supporting the IndiaAI Mission and strengthening Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for responsible and inclusive technology adoption.
A National Platform for AI Innovation
Strategically located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh — an emerging hub of governance, innovation, and education — the CoE will design and deploy AI solutions addressing critical public challenges. The center will work in close partnership with government departments, academia, and industry to develop impactful, scalable AI applications.
The initial focus areas include:
- Governance & Citizen Services
- Disaster Response & Management
- Education & Skill Development
- Land Management
- Public Safety & Security
These domains reflect India’s vision for an ethical, transparent, and people-first AI ecosystem.
AI Fellowship: Building AI Talent for Public Impact
At the core of this collaboration is the TechBharat AI Fellowship, a first-of-its-kind national program that identifies, trains, and deploys India’s best AI talent to solve real-world public sector challenges.
Program Highlights:
- 120-day on-site fellowship in Visakhapatnam
- 80+ fellows and 100+ interns trained annually
- Monthly stipend and accommodation support for fellows
- Direct engagement with government departments to co-develop AI prototypes
- Participation in National AI Hackathons for Public Good beginning late 2025
- Access to co-developed AI curricula, training, and deployment frameworks by TechBharat and Google Cloud
“This collaboration signifies more than a partnership; it underscores India’s readiness to spearhead global initiatives in ethical, public-impact AI,” said Sridhar Gadhi, Founder, TechBharat Foundation. “Google Cloud and TechBharat will jointly develop advanced AI services leveraging cloud expertise and extensive developer training.”
Google Cloud’s Role in Empowering Public Good AI
Google Cloud’s contribution extends beyond infrastructure, offering:
- Access to world-class cloud solutions through the Google for Startups Cloud Program
- Mentorship and technical guidance from Google’s domain experts
- Business and community resources, including opportunities for joint go-to-market initiatives
“With TechBharat, we’re bringing our best technologies and talent to help solve real-world public sector challenges,” said Ashish Wattal, Director, Public Sector, Google Cloud India. “Together, we aim to build scalable AI solutions made in India, for India — delivering AI for Public Good at a national scale.”
Shaping the Future of Responsible AI
The first fellowship cohort begins in October 2025, featuring challenge statements from departments including Disaster Management, Industries & Commerce, Education, Citizen Services, and Real-Time Governance.
Future cohorts will build upon this foundation, scaling responsible AI across India’s public systems and contributing to global innovation in AI for social impact.
