28-06-2023: During its first I/O Connect event in India, Google unveiled a range of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies aimed at fostering growth and innovation among local developers. One of the key announcements was the launch of an accelerator program for the Indian government’s e-commerce initiative, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This accelerator program, offered through Google Cloud, aims to assist digital sellers in building and scaling their digital commerce operations.
As part of its support for ONDC, Google Cloud is open-sourcing a ready implementation of ONDC infrastructure and core APIs, which will facilitate scalability and security for digital sellers. Additionally, Google is granting access to its Retail AI technology and PaLM API, providing digital sellers with powerful tools to enhance their operations and improve customer experiences.
To further encourage innovation, Google Cloud is introducing a startup credits program specifically for organizations that enable ONDC. Eligible organizations can apply for a grant of $25,000, enabling them to leverage Google Cloud’s resources and infrastructure.
Ambarish Kenghe, Vice President of Product Management at Google, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting India’s ecosystem by providing open and integrated technologies. Google believes that the ecosystem will generate breakthrough solutions not only for India but also for the global market.
In an effort to enable Indian developers to build generative AI applications seamlessly, Google is making its state-of-the-art large language model accessible through the PaLM API, MakerSuite, and features on Vertex AI. Furthermore, Google is open-sourcing its research models and datasets, providing developers with valuable resources to develop meaningful solutions with a focus on Indian speech data and building information.
As part of its commitment to responsible AI development, Google announced the open sourcing of the SeeGull Database. This global stereotype benchmark includes broad geo-cultural coverage, including stereotypes specific to India, and aims to evaluate and mitigate biases in Natural Language Processing, contributing to a more inclusive and fair AI ecosystem.
Google Maps Platform also introduced an India-first experimental feature called Address Descriptors. Available in 25 Indian cities, this feature aims to simplify address search and communication by using relevant landmarks and area names, making it easier for customers to find accurate addresses.
Will Grannis, Chief Technology Officer of Google Cloud, expressed excitement about bringing Gen AI capabilities to developers. These capabilities empower developers to create engaging content, synthesize and organize information, automate business processes, and build exceptional customer experiences.
Google’s announcement of AI tools, an accelerator program for ONDC, and initiatives to support Indian developers demonstrate the company’s commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and responsible AI development in India.