Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday unveiled a series of AI-driven initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission, marking a major step in strengthening India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. The launch event introduced AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform, the IndiaAI Compute Portal, and several programs aimed at skill development and startup acceleration.
Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative potential of these initiatives in advancing AI research and innovation. “With AIKosha and the AI Compute Portal, we are enabling India’s AI ecosystem to thrive,” he said. The AI Compute Portal will initially provide access to 10,000 GPUs, with plans to add 8,693 more, offering subsidized compute services to startups, researchers, and enterprises. He also noted India’s growing presence in the global AI landscape, citing the country’s top rank in AI skill penetration and its position among the world’s top ten AI nations.
The IndiaAI Mission, approved in March 2024, aims to democratize AI access and strengthen ethical AI practices. Vaishnaw underscored India’s commitment to data integrity, stating, “AIKosha will ensure ethically sourced, consent-based datasets, reducing dependence on foreign and synthetic data.” The platform currently hosts over 300 datasets and 80 AI models, fostering the development of diverse and unbiased AI solutions.
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan emphasized the mission’s broad impact, noting that nearly 45% of its Rs. 10,372 crore funding has been allocated to the AI Compute Portal. “This initiative will revolutionize AI deployment across sectors and propel economic growth,” he said. He also stressed the need for structured AI investment, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a technologically advanced India by 2047.
A range of new initiatives were introduced, including iGOT-AI, an AI-powered learning system for government officials, and the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program in collaboration with Station F and HEC Paris. The acceleration program will provide ten Indian AI startups with a four-month immersive experience in Paris, offering mentorship and market expansion opportunities.
The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge, which received over 900 submissions, has shortlisted 30 AI solutions aimed at addressing key challenges in healthcare, governance, agriculture, and climate change. Additionally, the IndiaAI FutureSkills Fellowship has been launched to support AI students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. IndiaAI Data Labs are also being set up in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to provide foundational AI training.
The launch of AIKosha, the AI Compute Portal, and other IndiaAI initiatives signals a decisive step toward fostering an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem. Vaishnaw hailed the progress, stating, “India is witnessing unprecedented growth in AI, thanks to the Prime Minister’s long-term vision for technological advancement. These initiatives will propel us into the league of the world’s top AI nations.”
