Context

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Google have signed a statement of intent to roll-out ‘Build for Digital India’ programme.

About

• The programme will give engineering students a platform to develop technology-based solutions to address key social problems.
• As part of the programme, engineering students across the country will be invited to apply and join in a learning journey that will help them transform their bright ideas into real-world solutions.
• Applicants will take part in online and offline learning opportunities on key technologies such as machine learning, cloud and android.
• These will be offered through Google’s Developer Student Club network and other Google Developer networks.
• Google will also offer mentorship sessions in product design, strategy and technology to the most promising products and prototypes.

Significance

• This initiative will motivate college students across India to innovate and produce some good technology solutions for major social challenges of India.
• Advanced new technologies such as machine learning and AI can help address at scale some of the toughest social challenges that India faces today.
• The programme will provide great exposure to students in dealing with real world problems and develop deeper understanding of how newer technologies can be used to solve them.
• The programme will invite bright ideas and solutions from students to focus on areas of healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities and infrastructure, women safety, smart mobility and transportation, environment, accessibility and disability and digital literacy.