The government has announced a financial award of up to 1 million to each prototype of artificial intelligence, that is at proceeding stage development, first-time step. The MoIT stated that, the scheme would be executed by the upcoming Centre of Excellence in AI, which would fill the gap between research and the actual industrial application of the same. It will fund at least 400 university/industry projects per annum with a preference to solutions that address socio-economic challenges and areas identified in the National AI Policy.
The funding selected projects will receive mentorship, incubation and regulatory advice in addition to the monetary funding, and make sure of complying with the global standards. The centre will be able to combine researchers with potential investors and thus increase the possibility of commercializing prototypes. Rs200,000 will also go towards financing around 200 academic research studies a year with the results being expected in international journals to enhance Pakistan’s international AI presence.
In his remarks, Federal Minister Planning Ahsan Iqbal threw light on the way artificial intelligence prototypes are reshaping the way governance, education, healthcare, trade and technology sectors are being carried out. Emphasizing on AI literacy among civil servants and the need of establishing separate AI training centres to develop solutions of the governance system with the start-up, universities and industry.
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The government hopes that by fostering innovation, applied research, and talent, Pakistan will emerge as regional hub of AI-powered development by 2035, in which it will reduce its reliance on imported technologies, and enhance their own homegrown solutions.
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