Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are not a threat to the workforce but a tool for growth, said Dr Palanivel Thiagarajan, Minister of IT and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Speaking at the inauguration of iMerit’s Automotive AI Centre of Excellence in Coimbatore, he highlighted the critical role humans play in feeding relevant data into AI systems. “The current stage of AI is akin to kindergarten, requiring human input and guidance until it reaches a more advanced level,” he explained, emphasising the importance of technological talent for AI and ML advancements.
According to a NASSCOM report, the international market for AI in the automotive sector is projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 21.5%. Dr Thiagarajan pointed out that these trends depend heavily on macroeconomic factors, but the potential for revolutionizing the industry is immense.
iMerit’s new centre, its 12th location globally, has already hired over 220 employees and aims to double its workforce within the next fiscal year. This expansion aligns with the company’s mission to invest in industry-leading software and AI data solutions for sectors such as autonomous mobility, medical AI, and technology.
Driving Innovation & Inclusivity
Dr Thiagarajan praised the rapid establishment of the Coimbatore centre, which was inaugurated within six months of initial discussions. He acknowledged iMerit’s role in transforming industries globally while fostering inclusive growth. “With women comprising 52% of the workforce, many of whom are sole breadwinners, this model represents innovation, social equity, and empowerment,” he noted.
Radha Ramaswami Basu, CEO and Founder of iMerit Inc, highlighted the company’s leadership in predictive and autonomous AI, with a strong focus on trust and safety. “Automotive AI is our largest vertical, accounting for 60% of our revenues,” she said, adding that the company serves cutting-edge sectors such as autonomous mobility, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and drones. iMerit’s Ango Hub software, with specialised capabilities like 3D sensors, has been instrumental in driving customer acquisition.
Anupam Biswas, Chief Delivery Officer at iMerit, stressed the importance of data quality in AI technologies, particularly in computer vision and multi-sensor fusion for autonomous vehicles. “The work is complex, but we found a rich talent pool in Coimbatore,” he said. The company has already trained over 220 multi-sensor fusion experts on Ango Hub, who are now working on critical customer projects.
Coimbatore: A Strategic Choice
Coimbatore’s status as one of India’s most liveable cities, with high safety rankings for women, made it a strategic choice for iMerit’s expansion. The company’s decision also aligns with the growing Automotive AI market in India, projected to exceed $1 billion in the next five years. Leveraging its global expertise, iMerit aims to strengthen India’s AI data backbone and contribute to the country’s burgeoning technology ecosystem.
iMerit is focussing on advancing ethical AI practices, ensuring that technology development aligns with responsible standards. With over a decade of experience in the global AI data business, the company continues to lead in sectors like automotive, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, and generative AI.
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