The Odisha government partnered with IIT Kanpur’s Airawat Research Foundation (ARF) on Wednesday. This collaboration aims to improve AI-driven urban governance statewide. Officials announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to achieve this goal.
AI Innovation Partner
ARF will serve as the Housing & Urban Development Department’s AI innovation partner. The foundation will offer strategic and technical support. Its focus is on designing and implementing AI solutions for Odisha’s urban areas. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary for the department, highlighted the state’s commitment. Odisha seeks to use technology for better urban planning and service delivery. Decisions will be evidence-based.
Padhee stated, “Odisha is committed to building cities that are not only smarter, but also more humane, responsive and inclusive.” She added, “This partnership will help us harness the power of AI to improve urban services, strengthen governance systems and ensure that decision-making is guided by data, transparency and citizen needs.”
Key Partnership Components
The collaboration intends to co-develop and deploy AI solutions. These will address key urban governance challenges. The partnership will also strengthen data systems and digital infrastructure. Engagement with research institutions, startups, and technology partners is planned. This aims to mobilize the ecosystem.
ARF CEO Amar Nath stressed collaborative innovation. He said government and research institutions must work together. This ensures AI solutions are impactful and scalable. They must also align with citizen needs. ARF will support Odisha in creating robust AI applications. These applications will be responsible and governance-ready for urban transformation.
AI Project Management Unit and Roadmap
A significant part of the partnership is the planned AI Project Management Unit (AI-PMU). This unit will be established within the Housing & Urban Development Department. The AI-PMU will coordinate AI initiatives. It will also support implementation and develop standards. Capacity building within the department is a priority. This ensures effective and responsible AI use in governance.
The partnership will also develop a multi-year AI roadmap for Odisha. This roadmap will align with the state’s urban development vision. It aims for inclusive and resilient growth. The roadmap will identify sector priorities. It will also outline implementation pathways. Enabling frameworks for scaling AI solutions in urban local bodies will be developed.
The MoU emphasizes knowledge partnership and institutional capacity building. This ensures AI is used responsibly and ethically. Transparency for public benefit is a core principle.