Mahindra Group creates AI division to support its businesses

Mahindra Group has set up a division specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) to help its companies use next-generation technologies, a senior official said.

The idea is to consolidate all AI work in one office, which will benefit all businesses, said Bhuwan Lodha, head of the newly established department PTI.

“We have created at the group level … an AI division whose mandate is to enable our businesses to succeed through AI,” said Lodha, who took on that responsibility earlier this month.

Lodha, who was the head of the digital division at the flagship carmaker, said that initially the division will source AI talent from across the group companies.

Lodha said that over the last one and a half to two years, AI has become very important and there is a lot of excitement about its capabilities, which has led all companies to experiment with the technology.

“AI projects have become a sideline for every IT team in every company. Now we’re bringing them into the mainstream,” he explained.

The new AI division will develop AI-relevant solutions for all group companies, Lodha said, highlighting that there are opportunities in sectors such as automotive, real estate and hospitality where the group operates.

He added that the group will also be able to benefit from the best solutions available in the world, including work done by start-ups and even universities.

Asked about the role Tech Mahindra will play in the division, Lodha said the division cannot hire as many domain experts as Tech M does and that it will partner with the group’s IT services division.

He added that the AI ​​department also aims to consolidate talent and create a database of qualified employees.

The move to the department will also enable talented individuals to find a career path and ensure that their work is exciting as they can contribute to the development of a range of entities across different sectors, he added.