Microsoft signs MoU with Maharashtra to set up three AI Centers

In a boost to Digital India and to boost the adoption of artificial intelligence in the state administration, the Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft Corporation to establish three Artificial Intelligence (AI) centres of excellence in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. 

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.

The Maharashtra government has also decided to form a high-power committee to strengthen Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enforcement of Reformed Laws Limited (MARVEL) for the efficient use of AI in government and semi-government offices.

MoU with Microsoft 

Microsoft will help train the Maharashtra government staff in the use of Microsoft's Co-pilot AI platform that will make the government more efficient, transparent, and responsive to people's needs.

Microsoft will also help in establishing three AI Centers in the state.

Mumbai Centre for Geospatial Analytics

• It will be set up in the Chief Secretary's office in Mumbai.
• It will support decision-making in governance through satellite imagery analysis, spatial data management, and geographic information system-based applications.

Forensic Research and AI Centre in Pune 

• The forensic science center in the city will use AI to enhance criminal investigation processes, forensic data analysis, and evidence management.

Centre for Excellence in Nagpur 

• The third center will be set up in Nagpur, based Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enforcement of Reformed Laws Limited (MARVEL).
• It will help strengthen AI-driven solutions for government functions, focusing on enforcement, monitoring, vigilance, and innovative governance reforms. 

Committee to strengthen MARVEL 

The state cabinet also decided to set up a high-power committee led by Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to strengthen MARVEL for the efficient use of AI in government and quasi-government offices.

MARVEL was set up by the state government in 2024 to promote the use of AI in police investigations.

The scope of MARVEL has been extended to all government and quasi-government offices.