Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced a set of AI-driven initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission on Thursday, marking a significant advancement in India’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. The unveiling included AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform, the IndiaAI Compute Portal, and a series of programs designed to enhance AI research, skill development, and startup acceleration.
Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives in driving AI research and innovation across the country. “With AIKosha and the AI Compute Portal, we are enabling India’s AI ecosystem to thrive,” he remarked.
AI Compute Portal: Democratizing AI Access
The AI Compute Portal will play a crucial role in making high-performance computing resources accessible to startups, researchers, and enterprises. Initially offering access to 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), the initiative has plans to integrate an additional 8,693 GPUs in the near future. By providing subsidized compute services, the portal aims to reduce barriers to AI development and innovation in India.
India has been making notable strides in the global AI landscape, with the country ranked among the top ten AI nations and leading in AI skill penetration. The IndiaAI Mission, which received government approval in March 2024, is designed to democratize AI access while upholding ethical AI practices.
AIKosha: Ethical and Consent-Based Data Platform
AIKosha, the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring data integrity in AI development. Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of ethical and consent-based data collection, noting that AIKosha would reduce India’s reliance on foreign and synthetic datasets. The platform currently hosts more than 300 datasets and 80 AI models, enabling the development of diverse and unbiased AI solutions.
Investment and Economic Growth
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan underscored the far-reaching impact of the IndiaAI Mission, revealing that nearly 45% of its allocated Rs. 10,372 crore funding has been directed toward the AI Compute Portal. “This initiative will revolutionize AI deployment across various sectors and significantly boost economic growth,” he stated. He further stressed the necessity of structured AI investment in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision for a technologically advanced India by 2047.
AI Skill Development and Startup Acceleration
As part of the broader AI push, several initiatives were launched to support AI learning and innovation. These include:
- iGOT-AI: An AI-powered learning system designed for government officials to enhance AI literacy and application in governance.
- IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program: A collaboration with Station F and HEC Paris to provide ten Indian AI startups with a four-month immersive experience in Paris, including mentorship and market expansion opportunities.
- IndiaAI Innovation Challenge: An initiative that received over 900 submissions, with 30 AI-driven solutions shortlisted to address key challenges in healthcare, governance, agriculture, and climate change.
- IndiaAI FutureSkills Fellowship: A program supporting AI students at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels to foster the next generation of AI talent.
- IndiaAI Data Labs: AI training centers being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to expand foundational AI education and skill-building.
A Strategic Step Toward Global AI Leadership
The unveiling of AIKosha, the AI Compute Portal, and various IndiaAI initiatives marks a decisive step toward fostering an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem. Vaishnaw hailed the progress made under the Prime Minister’s long-term vision, emphasizing the significant role these initiatives will play in shaping India’s AI trajectory. “India is witnessing unprecedented growth in AI, thanks to the strategic investments and policy direction provided by the government. These initiatives will propel us into the league of the world’s top AI nations.”
With a strong emphasis on ethical AI development, compute accessibility, and skill enhancement, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence, leveraging its technological advancements for inclusive growth and innovation.
