In a significant move towards advancing technology and innovation in India, the Union Cabinet has given its approval for a Rs 10,372 crore plan to establish an AI compute facility. What are the key details of this initiative?

Government's Commitment to AI Development

The Central government has shown its commitment to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) by seeking approval from the Union Cabinet for an ambitious AI program. With an aim to address challenges in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, and education, the program aims to promote innovation and support startups and innovators.

Creating a Computing Infrastructure

To achieve its objectives, the government plans to build a high-end scalable AI computing ecosystem in a public-private partnership mode. The approved plan includes the development and deployment of indigenous large multimodal models and the promotion of AI applications in critical sectors.

Support for Deeptech AI Startups

Under the India AI program, support will also be provided to accelerate deeptech AI startups. The government envisions the implementation of responsible AI projects, including the development of indigenous tools and frameworks. This support will foster the growth of AI-driven startups and encourage the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors.

Mitigating Barriers and Promoting Education

The government understands the importance of reducing barriers to entry in AI programs. To achieve this, the India AI program aims to increase AI courses in undergraduate, masters-level, and PhD programs. By enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a skilled workforce, India can strengthen its position as a global force in AI technology.

Ministers' Statements on the Initiative

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, expressed the government's commitment to making compute power available to innovators, startups, students, and educational institutions. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State, highlighted the transformative potential of AI and emphasized that the program would position India as a major player in shaping the future of AI.

Building Computing Capacity

To boost the country's artificial intelligence computing capacity, the plan includes the establishment of supercomputing and quantum hubs. The government aims to set up graphic processing units (GPUs) in the private and public sectors, with a focus on data centers under the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This initiative will leverage C-DAC's PARAM supercomputers and enable the development of cutting-edge AI technologies.

A Step Towards Innovation

The approval of the India AI mission by the Union Cabinet marks a significant step towards fostering innovation and technological advancements in the country. By investing in AI infrastructure and supporting startups, India aims to harness the potential of AI to address societal challenges and drive economic growth.