Government's Rs 10,000 Crore Mission to Boost AI Infrastructure in India

Government's Rs 10,000 Crore Mission to Boost AI Infrastructure in India India, known for its rapidly growing tech industry, is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The government has allocated a staggering Rs 10,000 crore for this initiative, which will involve the creation of a network of state-of-the-art data centers equipped with cutting-edge computing facilities. These data centers will be made available to industry players on lease, allowing them to train and develop their AI models.

The AI data centers will be equipped with high-performance systems such as graphic processing units (GPUs), storage systems, network infrastructure, and other specialized hardware accelerators. This infrastructure will provide the necessary computing power for AI startups and established companies alike to test and run their large language models (LLMs) for AI applications. Additionally, academia and researchers will also have access to these facilities for their AI-related work. To reduce the computing costs for AI startups, the government plans to source GPUs initially from companies like Nvidia. However, the long-term goal is to manufacture these chips in India with the assistance of global companies specializing in AI chipsets. This move will not only make GPUs more accessible but will also help in establishing India as a hub for AI development.

Currently, the United States and China lead in terms of computing infrastructure required for AI technology. Nvidia, a US-based company, dominates the GPU market with an 88% market share. However, there is a significant lag in the availability of Nvidia GPUs due to high global demand. To address this, the Indian government can explore partnerships with other global firms producing GPUs, as their processing capacity is around 60% of Nvidia's. The AI mission is designed to bring AI compute capacity under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, promoting collaboration between the government and industry players. In addition to the data centers, the mission includes allocating early-stage funding to deep tech startups, establishing innovation centers, and developing a broader AI sovereign infrastructure in the country. The government also aims to create the India AI datasets platform, which will house the largest collection of anonymized data to drive innovation and enhance AI capabilities.

Furthermore, the mission will promote the development of AI applications in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, governance, and language translation. By focusing on real-life use cases, the government aims to maximize economic development and address pressing societal challenges. As India lays the foundation for a robust AI ecosystem, this mission will also prioritize the development of indigenous foundational models and tools for safe, trusted, and ethical AI deployment. This approach not only enhances India's self-reliance in AI technology but also ensures that AI solutions align with the country's unique requirements and values.

In conclusion, the Indian government's Rs 10,000 crore mission to boost AI infrastructure marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global AI powerhouse. By providing high-performance data centers and supporting AI startups, the government aims to accelerate AI innovation, drive economic growth, and tackle societal challenges. With this mission, India is poised to make substantial strides in the field of artificial intelligence. For the latest finance news, stock market updates, and business news, visit the Financial Express website. You can also download the Financial Express App for convenient access to the latest information.