Harnessing New Technologies: Rural India as an Emerging AI Hub

Tue Oct 21 2025 13:45:14 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Exploring how remote areas in India, particularly Virudhunagar, are becoming key players in the development of artificial intelligence, merging ancient cultural richness with modern tech advancements.

As major tech firms migrate their operations to smaller towns in India, like Virudhunagar, locals are finding opportunities in AI development. With initiatives such as cloud farming, companies like Desicrew and NextWealth are transforming the job landscape, empowering rural populations and promoting inclusivity through technology.

Virudhunagar, a historic town in southeastern India, known for its ancient temples, is finding a new identity as a growing hub for artificial intelligence (AI). While echoing the wisdom of ages past, residents like Mohan Kumar are engaging with cutting-edge technology, enhancing their careers without needing to relocate to bustling metropolitan areas.

Mohan Kumar, who specializes in AI annotation, describes his role as integral in training AI models. His work involves gathering and labeling extensive datasets, which enable machines to make accurate predictions over time. This shift of tech jobs from traditionally urban areas to remote towns is representative of a broader trend known as cloud farming, where costs are minimized, and accessibility is improved.

Companies such as Desicrew, which has roots in cloud farming since 2005, aim to transfer opportunities closer to home to reduce rural-to-urban migration. CEO Mannivannan J K explains that their goal is to create quality careers while proving that excellent work can occur from anywhere. The company currently achieves 30 to 40% of its workload in AI training, which is poised to rise significantly.

Similarly, NextWealth is a pioneer in utilizing local talent for advanced AI tasks. Co-founder Mythily Ramesh highlights that a vast portion of the workforce is composed of first-generation graduates from small towns, enabling them to enter a professional environment that was previously inaccessible.

Despite the challenges surrounding internet reliability in remote areas, industry leaders like KS Viswanathan warn that the shift to rural AI operations is crucial for scaling India's technological future. As the demand for labor in AI increases, small towns are positioned to become crucial in supplying skilled individuals.

With about 70% of Desicrew's workforce being women, this initiative is uplifting entire families and communities through improved financial stability and educational opportunities. As rural India embraces its role in a technology-dominated world, it simultaneously retains its cultural heritage, blending ancient wisdom with future-oriented practices.