India is experiencing a major shift in Artificial Intelligence (AI) thanks to several key initiatives. The IndiaAI Mission and the creation of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) are strengthening the country’s AI landscape.
- These efforts align with the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, aiming for India to become an AI leader, driving growth in the economy and society.
- In 2024, the Indian government allocated ₹10,300 crore over five years for the IndiaAI Mission, managed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Here are some key developments in India’s AI journey:
- The mission aims to create a high-end computing facility with over 18,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), significantly boosting AI research capabilities.
- So far, 10,000 GPUs have been deployed, enabling the development of AI solutions tailored for Indian languages and contexts.
- An open GPU marketplace has been launched, which helps startups, researchers, and students access advanced computing power.
- The government plans to create local GPU production capabilities in the next 3 to 5 years, reducing reliance on imports.
- Access to GPU resources will be priced at ₹100 per hour, much lower than the international rate of about $2.50 to $3.
In addition to infrastructure, significant steps have been taken in AI research and skills development:
- The IndiaAI Dataset Platform is designed to provide easy access to anonymized datasets, helping startups and researchers create sophisticated AI applications.
- Three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been established for healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities. A new CoE for education is on the way, backed by ₹500 crore in the upcoming Union Budget.
- Five more CoEs focused on skilling are planned to prepare young people for the AI workforce.
India is also making strides in language technology and AI integration:
- Initiatives like BHASHINI facilitate language translation, enabling better access to digital services for users in Indian languages.
- Innovations like BharatGen enhance public service delivery through AI in language, speech, and computer vision.
In terms of talent, India ranks first globally in AI skills penetration. According to the Stanford AI Index 2024, India scored higher than the United States and Germany, especially in AI skills for women. The country produces 16% of the world’s AI talent, reflecting its growing influence in the global AI landscape.
Businesses are also prioritizing AI investments. The Boston Consulting Group notes that 80% of Indian companies view AI as a crucial strategic area, planning to increase tech spending significantly in 2025. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using AI report notable revenue growth, with a survey finding that 93% attribute increased sales to their AI initiatives.
Overall, India’s AI industry is rapidly developing, expected to expand at a rate of 25-35% annually. This growth is backed by robust support ecosystems, with India ranking third globally for tech incubators and accelerators. By investing in AI, India aims to strengthen its economy and enhance its standing in the global technology landscape.
For more detailed insights and statistics on India’s AI progress, check out the [Stanford AI Index 2024](https://aiindex.stanford.edu/).
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