Cabinet Approves Ambitious IndiaAI Mission to Strengthen the AI Innovation Ecosystem
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Government of India
Link: Press Release
Date: March 7, 2024
The Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the comprehensive national-level IndiaAI mission with a budget outlay of Rs.10,371.92 crore. This mission aims to strengthen the AI innovation ecosystem in India by promoting responsible and inclusive growth through strategic programs and partnerships across the public and private sectors. The mission encompasses various components such as compute capacity, innovation centers, datasets platforms, application development, future skills, startup financing, and safe and trusted AI practices.
IndiaAI Compute Capacity:
The IndiaAI mission will establish a high-end scalable AI computing ecosystem to meet the increasing demands of India’s AI start-ups and research ecosystem. It will comprise an AI compute infrastructure of 10,000 or more Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), built through a public-private partnership. Additionally, an AI marketplace will be developed to provide AI as a service and pre-trained models, serving as a comprehensive resource for AI innovation.
IndiaAI Innovation Centre:
The IndiaAI Innovation Centre will focus on developing and deploying indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models in critical sectors. This initiative aims to enhance AI capabilities and drive innovation in areas of strategic importance.
IndiaAI Datasets Platform:
The IndiaAI Datasets Platform will streamline access to quality non-personal datasets for AI innovation. It will provide a unified data platform, offering seamless access to non-personal datasets for Indian startups and researchers. This centralized platform will facilitate the development of cutting-edge AI applications.
IndiaAI Application Development Initiative:
The IndiaAI Application Development Initiative will promote AI applications in critical sectors by addressing problem statements sourced from Central Ministries, State Departments, and other institutions. The initiative aims to develop, scale, and promote impactful AI solutions that have the potential to bring about large-scale socio-economic transformation.
IndiaAI FutureSkills:
To mitigate barriers to entry into AI programs, the IndiaAI FutureSkills initiative will increase the availability of AI courses at the undergraduate, masters, and Ph.D. levels. Additionally, Data and AI Labs will be established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India, providing foundational level courses and fostering AI talent at a grassroots level.
IndiaAI Startup Financing:
The IndiaAI Startup Financing pillar aims to support and accelerate deep-tech AI startups by providing streamlined access to funding. This support will enable startups to undertake futuristic AI projects and contribute to the growth of India’s AI ecosystem.
Safe & Trusted AI:
The Safe & Trusted AI pillar recognizes the importance of responsible AI development, deployment, and adoption. It will facilitate the implementation of responsible AI projects by developing indigenous tools and frameworks, self-assessment checklists for innovators, and establishing guidelines and governance frameworks.
The approval of the IndiaAI mission marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s AI innovation ecosystem. By investing in compute capacity, innovation centers, datasets platforms, application development, future skills, startup financing, and safe and trusted AI practices, India aims to demonstrate the transformative power of AI for social good and enhance its global competitiveness. This mission will not only foster innovation but also create employment opportunities and ensure the tech sovereignty of the country.
Reference:
Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India. (March 7, 2024). Cabinet Approves Ambitious IndiaAI Mission to Strengthen the AI Innovation Ecosystem. Retrieved from link.
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