Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Thursday urged AI startups to create homegrown, scalable solutions that reflect India’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity.
Speaking at a meeting with incubators and startups at T-Hub in Hyderabad, Jaju encouraged them to take part in the ‘Kalaa Setu’ and ‘Bhasha Setu’ challenges. These are part of the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
These initiatives, Jaju said, are aimed at building a future-ready digital ecosystem. They align with the Ministry’s goal of using AI to bridge language gaps and support regional content.
WaveX is part of the Ministry’s larger WAVES initiative. It supports innovation in media, entertainment, and language technologies, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to grow the creator economy.
The ‘Bhasha Setu’ challenge focuses on AI tools for translation and voice-based communication to make it easier to interact in multiple languages. The ‘Kalaa Setu’ challenge supports tools that turn written content into audio, video, or graphics, helping reach more people in local languages.
According to the I&B Ministry, shortlisted teams will present their ideas to a national jury in New Delhi. Winners will sign an MoU for full development and receive pilot support from All India Radio, Doordarshan, and the Press Information Bureau. They will also get incubation support from the WaveX Innovation Platform.
Earlier in May 2025, at the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai, WaveX facilitated pitching opportunities for over 30 startups, enabling direct interaction with government agencies, investors, and industry leaders. The platform continues to support innovative ideas through hackathons, mentorship, and integration with national platforms.
