Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced the establishment of a Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence in Paris. The announcement was made at the Choose France Summit, an event hosted by President Emmanuel Macron and attended by 300 global CEOs, including Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons.

Strategic Development of the AI Center:

Set to open in June 2024, the AI Center will be located at the new TCS PacePort™ in the La Défense area of Paris. This center will be the 7th facility in TCS’s global Pace network, joining others in Amsterdam, London, New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Tokyo. The Paris center aims to harness France’s deep talent pool in design and engineering and will focus on developing human-centric AI technologies. This initiative aligns with France’s National Strategy for AI under the France 2030 plan, which outlines key societal and business priorities for AI integration.

Commitment to French AI Ecosystem:

Valerie Pecresse, President of the Regional Council of the Ile-de-France region, expressed her enthusiasm about the new investment by TCS, noting that the Paris region is quickly becoming a global epicenter for Artificial Intelligence. “This new investment by TCS will boost the AI ecosystem we are developing and provide new opportunities for our students and professionals,” she stated.

Focus Areas and Local Impact:

Initially, the AI center will concentrate on innovative areas such as brain-computer interface, building empathy in machines, and exploring AI’s role in arts and culture. Dr. Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer at TCS, highlighted the strategic focus on enhancing AI skills within France, propelling the adoption of AI in the French economy, and developing capabilities that will benefit globally.

Operational and Economic Contributions:

Rammohan Gourneni, Country Head of TCS France, detailed the operational strategies, mentioning that the center will also aim to boost human-centered AI capabilities particularly in sectors like banking, financial services, and manufacturing. “We plan to hire new talent and partner with universities to offer internships and projects that support the National AI Mission,” Gourneni added.

TCS’s Growth and Investment in France:

TCS has significantly expanded its presence in France since starting operations in 1992. With acquisitions like TKS-Teknosoft in 2006 and Alti in 2013, TCS now employs 1,600 individuals across the country and services 80 of France’s leading businesses. The company has also modernized its corporate headquarters in La Défense, established new delivery centers, and recently announced the setup of a new facility in Toulouse.

The establishment of the TCS AI Center of Excellence in Paris is a pivotal development in the global AI landscape. It not only enhances TCS’s position as a leader in technology solutions but also solidifies Paris’s status as an international hub for technological innovation. This center is expected to drive significant advancements in AI applications, benefiting industries and enhancing societal outcomes.

  artificial intelligence, France, France 2030 AI strategy, Paris tech investment, Tata Consultancy Services, TCS AI Center