In a significant move to advance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, unveiled the IndiaAI Compute Portal and the AIKosha Dataset Platform. These initiatives, part of the broader IndiaAI Mission, aim to enhance access to AI resources and foster innovation across various sectors.

Expanding AI Infrastructure

The IndiaAI Compute Portal offers access to over 18,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), cloud storage, and a suite of AI services. This resource is available to students, startups, researchers, academia, and government departments, aiming to democratise AI resources and support diverse AI-driven projects.

✨ Launched - AI Kosha

A platform for India’s talented researchers, entrepreneurs and Startups providing them the right compute, datasets, tools and secure sandbox environment to build state-of-the-art AI applications and solutions.

Explore it as https://t.co/BhrA2fQCjw pic.twitter.com/4x6C0mdVwJ

— Ministry of Electronics & IT (@GoI_MeitY) March 6, 2025

AIKosha: A Comprehensive Dataset Platform

Alongside the compute portal, the AIKosha Dataset Platform was launched to streamline access to high-quality, non-personal datasets. This platform provides resources, tools, and expert mentorship, assisting model builders and developers in creating India-specific AI models. By offering curated datasets, AIKosha aims to accelerate the development of innovative AI solutions tailored to the Indian context.

Progress Towards India's Foundational AI Model

Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the nation's strides in developing its own foundational AI model. The compute portal is set to play a pivotal role in this endeavour, with 67 applications received for creating foundational models, including 22 large language models. Drawing parallels to India's cost-effective lunar mission, Vaishnaw emphasised that the foundational AI model would be developed at a fraction of the cost incurred by other countries.

Affordable Access to GPU Resources

A notable aspect of the compute portal is the affordability of GPU usage, with costs historically low at less than ₹100 per hour. This pricing strategy is designed to encourage widespread utilisation of AI resources, enabling a broader spectrum of users to engage in AI research and development.

Future Prospects: Indigenous GPU Development

Looking ahead, Minister Vaishnaw expressed optimism that within the next three to four years, India would have its own GPUs competing on the global stage. This ambition aligns with the country's vision to become a leader in technology and AI, reflecting a commitment to building robust and self-reliant technological infrastructure.

Enhancing AI Competency in the Public Sector

In addition to infrastructure developments, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched a competency framework for AI aimed at public sector officials. This initiative seeks to build AI capacity within government departments, ensuring that civil servants are equipped with the necessary skills to leverage AI in public service delivery.

Recognising AI Talent and Innovations

The event also celebrated achievements in the AI community, awarding students under the India AI Fellowship program and recognising 30 selected AI applications. These acknowledgements aim to inspire continued excellence and innovation in the field of AI, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of talent and cutting-edge solutions.

These initiatives underscore India's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities, providing accessible resources, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation. As the IndiaAI Mission progresses, these platforms are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI in the country.