India-Japan Data Pact for AI Smart Cities

India and Japan have strengthened cooperation in artificial intelligence and urban planning through a new data partnership between Japan’s ONESTRUCTION Inc. and India’s DataKaveri Systems. The initiative aims to improve how construction data is used in smart city planning and digital governance.

Agreement Signed Under AI Strategic Dialogue

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the inaugural Japan-India AI Strategic Dialogue, a bilateral platform created to expand cooperation in AI and digital infrastructure. The event highlighted the growing focus on trusted data systems and technology partnerships between the two countries.

Construction Sector Holds Untapped Data

The construction industry generates valuable information such as building plans, utility networks, asset records and maintenance histories. However, most of this data remains unused after project completion and stays locked within individual project systems.

Linking openBIM with IUDX Platform

Under the agreement, ONESTRUCTION’s openBIM platform, based on the IFC global standard for construction information, will be integrated with DataKaveri’s Intelligent Universal Data Exchange (IUDX). IUDX is already active in 55 Indian smart cities and supports urban mobility, utilities, environment monitoring and public services.

Important Facts for Exams

• IUDX stands for Intelligent Universal Data Exchange and supports smart city data sharing.
• DataKaveri Systems is the commercial arm of IISc Bengaluru’s Centre of Data for Public Good.
• IFC is an internationally recognised open standard for construction data exchange.
• Digital twins are virtual models of physical cities used for planning and governance.

Future Scope for AI and Digital Twins

The partnership will help cities use construction data in AI-based planning systems and digital twins. This can improve decision-making in transport, utilities and urban services. Both organisations also plan to explore joint AI applications and international funding opportunities for wider global adoption.