Marking a significant milestone in India’s artificial intelligence (AI) journey, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched the IndiaAI Compute Portal and AIKosha dataset platform on Thursday. The announcement came as part of a series of initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission, a program aimed at enhancing access to AI resources and fostering innovation across various sectors.
Revolutionizing AI Access with Compute Portal
The IndiaAI Compute Portal is set to transform AI research and development in the country by providing access to over 18,000 GPUs, cloud storage, and other AI services. These resources will be available to students, startups, researchers, academia, and government departments, ensuring democratic access to high-performance computing power.
Speaking at the launch, Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of this initiative in making AI technology more accessible. He stated, “The compute portal will be used to develop India’s own foundational model. Preparedness for this endeavor is progressing well, with as many as 67 applications already received.“
Drawing a parallel with India’s cost-effective space missions, Vaishnaw noted that India intends to build its foundational AI model at a fraction of the cost incurred by other countries. The affordability of GPU usage is also a key feature of the initiative, with compute costs expected to remain historically low at less than Rs 100 per hour. The Minister expressed confidence that within 3-4 years, India would have its own GPUs capable of competing on the global stage.
AIKosha: A Comprehensive Dataset Platform
In addition to the compute portal, the government also introduced AIKosha, an all-in-one dataset platform designed to support AI model development. AIKosha aims to provide high-quality non-personal datasets, essential tools, and expert mentorship to enable AI researchers and developers to build India-specific AI models.
By streamlining access to crucial datasets, AIKosha is expected to significantly accelerate the development of AI solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges and opportunities. The platform will serve as a hub where model builders and developers can experiment, test, and refine their AI applications.
Strengthening India’s AI Ecosystem
The launch of these platforms falls under the broader framework of the IndiaAI Mission, which was approved by the cabinet in March last year with a substantial budget of Rs 10,371.92 crore. The mission, implemented by the ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC), aims to establish a comprehensive AI innovation ecosystem through strategic public-private partnerships.
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan highlighted the pivotal role of the compute portal within the mission, stating, “The AI Compute Portal is the largest component of the IndiaAI mission. Almost about 45 per cent of funds have been earmarked for this particular area.” He further emphasized that AI could be a crucial enabler in achieving the government’s 2047 Viksit Bharat vision.
Further AI Initiatives Announced
Alongside the compute portal and AIKosha, MeitY introduced several additional AI-focused initiatives, including:
- India AI Startups Global Acceleration Programme: A program aimed at supporting AI-driven startups by providing global exposure, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
- Competency Framework for AI in the Public Sector: A structured framework to equip public sector officials with AI-related skills, ensuring effective AI deployment in governance.
- India AI Fellowship Programme: Recognition and awards were given to students excelling in AI research and development.
- Recognition of 30 AI Applications: The government highlighted and honored 30 AI-based applications that have demonstrated significant potential in various domains.
A Strategic Push for AI Leadership
India’s ambitious AI push aligns with its broader digital transformation agenda, positioning the country as a key player in the global AI landscape. The launch of the compute portal and dataset platform underscores the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for AI innovation.
As India continues to develop its own foundational AI model and enhance its AI infrastructure, these initiatives are expected to drive significant advancements in AI research, application development, and industry adoption. The strategic focus on affordability, accessibility, and innovation is set to position India as a major contender in the global AI race.
With these landmark initiatives, the government is paving the way for a future where AI-powered solutions can drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. The coming years will be crucial in determining the success of India’s AI mission, but with strong policy backing and robust infrastructure, the nation is well on its way to becoming an AI powerhouse.
