Google has announced significant collaborations with Indian startups to develop AI-led solutions in agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Dr. Manish Gupta, Research Director at Google DeepMind, emphasized the company’s commitment to harnessing AI to address unique challenges in India.
One of the key innovations is the Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) Research API, designed to assist farmers in optimizing crop yields by analyzing soil quality, weather patterns, and water requirements. Developed in partnership with local governments and researchers, the ALU API aims to enhance agricultural productivity while mitigating climate impacts.
In the healthcare sector, Google is addressing the rising incidence of diabetes, particularly among younger populations, by licensing its diabetic retinopathy AI model to health-tech partners like Forus Health and AuroLab. This initiative has already facilitated over 600,000 screenings globally, with pilot projects underway in Bengaluru to detect vision-threatening conditions early.
On the sustainability front, Google has introduced CircularNet, an open-source machine-learning model, to Saahas Zero Waste, an environmental enterprise in Bengaluru. This technology enhances recycling efforts by accurately identifying high-quality plastic waste, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system. Saahas Zero Waste aims to responsibly manage over 500 tonnes of waste daily by 2026, with CircularNet significantly improving their operational efficiency.
These collaborations reflect Google’s vision of using AI to create impactful, scalable solutions that benefit communities in India and contribute to a sustainable future. As AI adoption accelerates, it is projected to add ₹33.8 lakh crore to India’s economy by 2030.
