Google is now at the front end of the AI revolution with their ‘AI-first’ policies. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has also been vocal about the company’s plan to spread out in the field of AI, machine learning and deep learning. Google is one of the leading international tech giants which is at the forefront of expanding their AI reach in various countries including India through numerous acquisitions and incubator programme like Google Launchpad Accelerator India programme.
Through its accelerator programme that runs for six months, Google recognizes some of the most talented young startups across the country and verticals, nurturing them by leveraging the start-up companies expertise including its industry expertise, a network of investors and technical professionals. In its first phase, Google recognized as many as ten startups working for various goals in an attempt to teach and guide them and a substantial number of them have been from AI and Ml-based background. According to a news report, the search giant plans to enhance the workforce to 13,000 at Hyderabad by 2019, the most significant headcount outside the US.
One can say that Google is looking towards India to solidify a lead in AI & ML. They are doing this by transforming themselves into an active acquirer and mentor in the AI and ML field, Google has guaranteed it has a significant stake in the latest innovation happening in the area of AI while letting their products such as TensorFlow and Google Cloud Platform be the building blocks of these innovations.
With the Indian AI startup market expected to be worth $180 Mn annually, Google has also actively brought together other AI-based startups to strengthen their footing in India. Through strategic acquisitions, investments and partnerships, it is building its existence in India and adding new revenue channels from AI, cloud technology and consumer hardware. A few years ago, Google was in the news for its acquisition of Bengaluru-based AI start-up Halli Labs, which utilizes AI and ML to find a solution for what they call ‘old problems.’ This particular start-ups’ acquisition reinstated Google’s message of AI being its core of future market expanding strategy. By welcoming the start-up to their team, an expert of the company had tweeted how they wish to produce products for their next billions of users with the start-up, a clear implicative of how the company views AL and ML as a vital aspect of getting traction among following users in the future.
Recently, Dunzo, another Bengaluru-based AI start-up became the first ever in India to get Google’s direct investment for a start-up. According to the recent report, Google finalized the $25 Mn deal with the start-up, snatching it away from Xiomi, who was eyeing the start-up.
