The IndiaAI Mission, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, aims to enhance local AI development in India through initiatives like AI Kosha for data collection and the Common Compute portal for GPU access. This government-led effort focuses on creating AI tools tailored to Indian contexts, addressing biases in existing models, and promoting safety and innovation across seven strategic pillars.
In a spirited bid for dominance, Indian firms are making strides in artificial intelligence (AI) development. On March 6, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the IndiaAI Mission, unveiling AI Kosha, a pivotal national dataset platform designed to collate non-personal data. This initiative aims to bolster the creation of effective AI models and tools from various government departments and ministries. Additionally, the Common Compute portal has been introduced, enabling startups and academic institutions to share access to invaluable Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to enhance their AI creations.
Initially established as a collaborative project between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Nasscom in 2023, the IndiaAI Mission has now evolved into a government-led effort with an investment exceeding ₹10,371.92 crore. This surge in AI development reflects the rising global enthusiasm and the rapid evolution of generative AI models like ChatGPT. The mission’s primary goals revolve around fostering AI innovations in India that serve the local populace effectively.
A standout feature is the Common Compute facility, which provides startups access to NVIDIA’s coveted GPUs—essential for running complex AI computations. With GPUs selling at a premium and faced with inventory shortages, the IndiaAI Mission is collaborating with numerous data centers to enable startups to leverage these vital resources. So far, around 14,000 GPUs have been secured, with plans for ongoing acquisition to support growing demands in the sector.
AI Kosha aims to eliminate biases typically found in existing AI models, which often lack representation of India’s diverse languages and cultures. By making Indian-specific datasets widely accessible, the mission hopes to empower local researchers and developers to create adaptable AI tools. Current uploads include translation models among various Indian languages, emphasizing the commitment to local insights and usability within the AI landscape.
The IndiaAI Mission comprises seven pillars, concentrating on crucial areas beyond GPU access and dataset development. One such focus is the establishment of the AI Safety Institute of India, designed to address the moral and practical ramifications of heightened AI deployment across various sectors. Furthermore, initiatives like the IndiaAI Innovation Centre and Futureskills aim to catalyze innovation and teach AI skills in underrepresented regions, supporting a comprehensive ecosystem for AI development.
Finally, the mission has issued a request for proposals to develop an indigenously created foundation model. This undertaking underscores the government’s diligence in rapidly advancing the AI field, with 67 applications currently under review as it gears up to foster a new generation of homegrown AI solutions.
As Indian firms race to build local AI capabilities, the IndiaAI Mission exemplifies a decisive and multifaceted approach to harnessing technology for national progress. With initiatives like AI Kosha and the Common Compute facility, the mission sets the stage for innovative developments tailored to India’s unique needs. By fostering collaboration and ensuring accessibility to vital resources, India is poised to make significant advancements in the global AI landscape.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
