Photo Credit: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha
Maharashtra has unveiled India’s first industry-oriented AI Living Lab, positioning the state at the forefront of applied artificial intelligence for industrial and MSME use. The initiative, aimed at translating AI research into deployable industrial solutions, was inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha at the Maharashtra State Ratan Tata Skill University, marking a significant milestone in the state’s technology-led skill development strategy in partnership with Germany.
The Living Lab is designed to support both large industrial enterprises and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by enabling access to applied AI tools, real-world experimentation, and industry-ready solutions.
MoUs Signed in Presence of German and State Leadership
The launch was accompanied by the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to operationalise the initiative. The ceremony was attended by senior Indian and German officials, including Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary Bärbel Kofler, Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Verma, Vice Chancellor Apoorva Palkar, German Consul General Christoph Heller, and Ulrike Ebeling, among other dignitaries.
The agreements underline a structured Indo-German collaboration focused on skill development, technology transfer, and industrial innovation.
AI to Strengthen Self-Reliance and Global Collaboration: Lodha
Addressing the gathering, Minister Lodha said India has long possessed strong technological capabilities and has, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reinforced its emphasis on self-reliance while deepening international cooperation.
He noted that embedding advanced AI technologies into domestic industries would strengthen indigenous enterprises and help position India as a global knowledge leader. Lodha also highlighted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has spearheaded several skill development initiatives aimed at generating employment and self-employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
Responsible AI Key to Global Transformation: Kofler
German Parliamentary State Secretary Bärbel Kofler underscored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in tackling complex scientific and societal challenges.
She said responsible and collaborative AI adoption can accelerate innovation across sectors such as healthcare, education, and industry, while also driving structural transformation in the global economy.
AI as a New Industrial Revolution: Chief Secretary
Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal described artificial intelligence as a new industrial revolution that is reshaping organisational systems and work culture worldwide.
He observed that younger generations, in particular, are rapidly adapting to emerging technologies, making initiatives such as the AI Living Lab critical for future-ready governance and industry.
Students to Work on Live Industry Problems
Vice Chancellor Apoorva Palkar explained that the Living Lab follows a structured collaboration model bringing together industry, academia, and government to address real-world industrial challenges.
Under the programme, students will gain hands-on exposure to live industry projects, analytical training, and opportunities to develop implementable AI-driven solutions. The Lab is being jointly implemented with Leipzig University and the SEPT Competence Center, with support from German industry partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s industrial competitiveness while deepening India–Germany cooperation in applied AI, skills, and innovation ecosystems.
