TLDR: Google Cloud India and TechBharat Research Foundation have jointly launched India’s first AI Centre of Excellence for Public Good in Visakhapatnam. This initiative aims to develop AI solutions for critical public sector challenges and foster AI talent through a dedicated fellowship program, aligning with the broader IndiaAI Mission.
Google Cloud India and the TechBharat Research Foundation have announced the establishment of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence for Public Good. Located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, this pioneering center is set to play a crucial role in advancing the IndiaAI Mission and bolstering the nation’s Digital Public Infrastructure. The official launch and the commencement of the first fellowship cohort are slated for October 2025.
The Centre of Excellence will focus on developing AI solutions to address pressing challenges across various public sectors, including governance, citizen services, disaster response, education, land management, and security. This strategic placement in Andhra Pradesh’s emerging governance and education hub underscores its potential to drive significant societal impact.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the TechBharat AI Fellowship, a national program designed to cultivate India’s brightest young minds in applying artificial intelligence to real-world public sector problems. The intensive, full-time fellowship will run three times annually, aiming to train over 80 fellows and 100 interns each year through a 120-day on-site program. Participants will receive monthly stipends and accommodation, working directly with government departments to build deployable AI prototypes. Additionally, fellows will engage in national AI Hackathons for Public Good, commencing in late 2025, and benefit from co-developed curricula from TechBharat and Google Cloud.
Google Cloud’s commitment to the initiative includes providing access to its best-in-class infrastructure through the Google for Startups Cloud program, mentorship from domain experts, and resources for business, technical, and community development.
Sridhar Gadhi, Founder of TechBharat Foundation, emphasized the broader implications of this collaboration, stating, “This collaboration signifies more than a partnership; it underscores India’s readiness to spearhead global initiatives in ethical, public-impact AI.” Ashish Wattal, Director of Public Sector at Google Cloud India, highlighted the initiative’s potential for creating scalable solutions, adding, “We’re bringing our best technologies and talent to help solve real-world public sector challenges.”
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The initial fellowship cohort, starting in October 2025, will tackle challenge statements from departments involved in disaster management, industries and commerce, education, citizen services, and real-time governance. Future cohorts are planned to further scale responsible AI adoption across public systems nationwide.
