India Receives 67 Proposals for AI Foundational Models Under Rs 10,370-Crore Mission

India’s ambitious Rs 10,370-crore IndiaAI Mission is gaining traction with the receipt of 67 proposals aimed at developing AI models tailored to the country’s unique needs. These proposals, which include 20 large language models (LLMs), come from a variety of Indian-based entities and researchers. The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is currently setting up a high-level technical committee to evaluate these proposals and assess their feasibility.

A Bold Step Toward AI Innovation

The government’s call for proposals was made in January, encouraging local innovators to contribute to the development of a domestic foundational AI model. The majority of the proposals are for sector-specific language models, including one created by doctors to assist in breast cancer research. These innovations aim to address India’s unique challenges while promoting the use of AI across different sectors.

Focus on Large Language Models

Among the 67 proposals, 20 are focused on building large language models (LLMs). Some of the key players behind these proposals include Sarvam AI, CoRover.ai, and Ola. The creation of these models could revolutionize India’s digital landscape by improving AI’s accessibility and relevance for local users. These LLMs are expected to be more reflective of India’s language diversity and cultural context compared to global alternatives.

A Strategic Committee for Evaluation

To ensure these proposals align with India’s AI vision, MeitY is assembling a committee of experts who will scrutinize the proposals. The committee’s goal is to evaluate their feasibility and potential for success. A decision on the best models to pursue is expected within a month, highlighting the speed and seriousness with which the government is tackling AI development.

India’s AI Race Amid Global Competition

This move comes amid the growing influence of global AI models, particularly China’s DeepSeek, which has shaken up the AI space. DeepSeek’s entry, offering a low-cost, open-source foundational model, has raised concerns about India’s position in the AI race. DeepSeek’s impact on market giants like Nvidia has further fueled discussions on India’s need for a locally developed LLM.

In response to these global developments, Indian officials have stressed the importance of developing a world-class AI model that is culturally relevant and capable of addressing India-specific challenges. Union Minister of Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw has expressed optimism that India could produce such a model within 9-10 months.

Government’s Support for AI Development

To support AI innovation, the government is also funding the procurement of critical hardware needed for model development. This includes the acquisition of 18,693 graphics processing units (GPUs) from 10 companies, surpassing the initial goal of 10,000 GPUs. These high-end chips are essential for training AI models, making them a critical component of India’s AI mission.

Subsidized Access to GPUs for Startups and Researchers

In an effort to provide startups and researchers with affordable access to computing power, the government will launch a common computing facility. Here, users can access high-end GPUs for Rs 150 per hour, with a 40% subsidy bringing the cost closer to $1 per hour—significantly lower than the global standard of $2.5-$3 per hour. This initiative aims to make high-performance computing more accessible and affordable for Indian innovators.

Looking Ahead

India’s ambitious AI push is poised to reshape the country’s digital future. As the proposals undergo evaluation, the success of this initiative will depend on the government’s ability to foster innovation and provide the necessary resources for AI researchers and developers. If successful, these efforts could position India as a leader in AI, with technology that is not only cutting-edge but also deeply aligned with the needs and realities of the nation.