India strengthens AI skilling and innovation with new initiatives

The Government of India is taking major steps to advance artificial intelligence (AI) skilling and innovation as part of the IndiaAI Mission. With a strong focus on developing indigenous AI technologies, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has received 67 proposals from startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs keen on contributing to India’s AI ecosystem.

India’s Growing AI Leadership

India is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in AI. According to Stanford University, the country ranks among the top four nations in AI vibrancy, alongside the US, China, and the UK. Additionally, GitHub reports that India contributes 24% of global AI projects, reflecting its position as a tech powerhouse.

Boosting AI Research and Development

A key initiative under the IndiaAI Mission is the IndiaAI Innovation Centre, which opened a call for proposals in January 2024. The response has been overwhelming, with proposals focusing on cutting-edge AI models such as:

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Large Multimodal Models (LMMs)

AI solutions for key sectors like healthcare, education, and finance

These initiatives aim to strengthen India’s capabilities in AI research and application.

Enhancing AI-Powered Vernacular Language Accessibility

To ensure digital inclusion, MeitY’s Digital India Bhashini initiative is making AI-driven language solutions available in all 22 Scheduled Indian languages. This includes advanced speech recognition, machine translation, and text-to-speech services, making technology accessible to diverse linguistic communities across the nation.

AI Collaboration with Meta and Academic Institutions

IndiaAI has partnered with Meta and IIT Jodhpur to launch the Srijan Centre for Generative AI, fostering research in cutting-edge AI technologies. Additionally, the YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building, in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aims to train young professionals in AI, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.

Government-Led AI Skilling Programs

The Indian government is also expanding its AI education and research support through various initiatives:

FutureSkills Prime Program – Aims to reskill and upskill professionals in AI and cybersecurity.

Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme – Supports AI-focused research to encourage academic excellence.

Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities – Expanding AI education and innovation beyond metro areas, ensuring widespread access to AI opportunities.

India’s Vision for a Responsible AI Future

With these initiatives, the government is not only fostering AI innovation but also prioritizing responsible AI development. By building a strong AI ecosystem, India is ensuring that AI-driven advancements align with ethical standards and technological safety.

India’s AI journey is gaining momentum, and with continuous support for skilling, research, and innovation, the nation is well on its way to becoming a global AI leader.