IBM unveils Gen-AI Innovation centre at Kochi Infopark .

IBM unveiled its Gen-AI Innovation Centre in Kochi recently, a move that is expected to position the city as a key hub for international IT companies. The state-of-the-art facility will cater to IBM's global customers and serve as a platform for innovation and collaboration.

Vishal Chahal, Vice-President of IBM India, highlighted that the centre comprises three key elements: a space for international customers to make presentations, a workshop area for employee consultations with clients, and a dedicated section for grooming students and startups. He also noted that the WatsonX platform, designed to enhance customer service experiences, will be developed and tested in Kochi.

The centre offers a unique opportunity for students and higher education institutions to experiment with product prototypes and conduct AI-related experiments at the Gen-AI lab, free of charge. "Kochi has been equipped with IBM’s best office systems, and the city will play a pivotal role in advancing our WatsonX platform," Chahal said.

Inaugurating the facility at Infopark, Kerala’s State Industries Minister P Rajeeve emphasized the potential for job creation, with the centre expected to employ up to 5,000 people in the future, up from the current 1,500 employees. He also described Kochi as IBM's fastest-growing campus globally.

The Minister also introduced the 'Work from Kerala' policy, which aims to attract more companies by leveraging the state's unique advantages. Higher education institutions will collaborate with IBM’s Gen-AI Lab to facilitate AI experiments, further strengthening Kochi’s growing reputation as an IT innovation hub.

HBL