Bihar has taken a significant step in expanding its presence in artificial intelligence with the establishment of a mega AI Centre of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT-P) campus in Bihta. This first-of-its-kind center in the state is likely to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on June 29.
Investment and Infrastructure
The Rs 60 crore mega AI centre focuses on strengthening AI infrastructure and outlining a roadmap for integrating artificial intelligence into governance, research, and industry. It will drive large-scale skill development, catalyze localized research for agriculture and disaster management, and create future-ready jobs.
IIT-P registrar A K Thakur stated that the centre has been developed on an 11-acre area within the campus. The expenses have been shared by the central and state governments (Rs 24 crore each) and the industry partner (Rs 12 crore). Established alongside the proposed research park, it aims to build a self-sustaining tech ecosystem and curb regional brain drain.
Industry Partnership
Global analytics firm Tiger Analytics is the industry partner. The firm specializes in AI and machine learning, generative AI and large language models, data engineering, MLOps, cloud-based AI platforms, and AI-led decision systems for public enterprises and government. It will work on startup incubation, upskilling of masses, creating Sandbox infrastructure, and solving government use cases.
Key Focus Areas
- Advanced AI Infrastructure: The centre will develop high-performance computing capabilities and procure advanced AI tools for processing speech, video, and text analytics.
- Hyper-Localized Solutions: Combining IIT Patna's academic knowledge with Tiger Analytics' industry expertise, the centre will create AI tools tailored to Bihar's needs, such as flood forecasting, rural healthcare improvement, and agricultural disease identification.
- Large-Scale Skilling: A primary goal is equipping 50,000 regional youth with future-ready skills, preparing students and professionals for an AI-driven economy.
- Intelligent Governance: Integrating AI into citizen services to improve administrative efficiency and e-governance across the state.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: By creating a Silicon Valley-style innovation hub in Bihta, the centre aims to attract tech investments, foster startups, and generate over 10,000 new job opportunities to retain regional talent.
