Powering India’s AI Dreams: Affordable GPUs, Cloud Services

India is taking a giant leap in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation with the launch of the IndiaAI Compute Portal.

This state-of-the-art initiative, introduced by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is set to revolutionize AI development by providing affordable access to high-end Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), cloud storage, and AI services.

Designed to empower startups, researchers, students, and government bodies, the portal will accelerate AI advancements and contribute to India’s tech-driven future.

Powering AI with Unmatched GPU Access:

The IndiaAI Compute Portal is engineered to establish a scalable AI computing ecosystem, ensuring that over 18,000 GPUs are readily available to the country’s growing AI community.

These resources include a diverse range of cutting-edge GPUs such as NVIDIA H100, H200, A100, L40S, L4, AMD MI300x, 325X, Intel Gaudi 2, AWS Tranium, and Inferentia, along with comprehensive network and storage services.

This vast infrastructure will serve as a foundation for groundbreaking research and AI applications across multiple sectors.

Affordable AI Compute for All:

In an unprecedented move to make AI more accessible, the portal offers compute power at an affordable rate of just ₹67 per hour.

Eligible AI developers, startups, and researchers can further benefit from a subsidy of up to 40% on cloud-based AI compute services.

This initiative significantly reduces the financial barrier for small businesses and academic institutions, ensuring that AI innovation is within everyone’s reach.

Surpassing Initial Targets: India’s AI Ambition Grows

Initially, the government aimed to deploy 10,000 GPUs for AI development.

However, the initiative has already surpassed expectations, offering 14,000 GPUs, with an additional 4,000 GPUs in the pipeline.

This rapid expansion underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global AI powerhouse and fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem.

Inspired by India’s Cost-Effective Space Missions:

Union Minister Vaishnaw highlighted India’s ability to achieve technological excellence at minimal costs, drawing parallels with the country’s low-cost yet successful moon mission.

He emphasized that the same cost-effective approach is being applied to AI innovation, enabling India to develop indigenous AI capabilities at a fraction of global costs.

Advancing India’s AI Capabilities: The Road Ahead

The government has received 67 proposals for creating foundational AI models, including 22 applications specifically for Large Language Models (LLMs).

To further strengthen AI research, the government is engaging with experts to develop India’s own chipset ecosystem, a move expected to reshape the country’s technological landscape.

Minister Vaishnaw confidently stated that within the next 3-4 years, India will develop its own GPUs, competing with the best in the world and solidifying its position among the top five technology nations.

Introducing AIKosha: A Game-Changer for AI Development

Another pivotal launch under this initiative is AIKosha, a comprehensive dataset platform providing AI developers with access to compute resources, curated datasets, advanced tools, and a secure sandbox environment.

This platform will integrate high-quality datasets from various government ministries, fostering the development of India-specific AI applications.

A Multi-Billion Investment in AI’s Future:

The Indian government has allocated ₹10,371.92 crore under the IndiaAI mission, approved in March 2024.

IndiaAI Independent Business Division under Digital India Corporation, this initiative aims to drive AI innovation through public-private collaborations.

Expanding AI Education & Infrastructure:

To ensure AI literacy and upskilling, the government is establishing 27 India AI data labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creating opportunities for AI enthusiasts beyond metro areas.

Additionally, over a million civil servants have enrolled in AI training programs, with nearly 9.5 lakh officials already completing specialized courses.

This initiative ensures that India’s workforce is equipped with AI expertise, strengthening the nation’s AI-driven governance and economy.

India’s AI Revolution is Here:

With initiatives like the IndiaAI Compute Portal and AIKosha, India is stepping into the global AI arena with confidence.

By providing affordable compute power, fostering research, and investing in AI talent, the government is laying the foundation for an AI-powered future.

As India works towards developing its own GPUs and foundational AI models, the country is set to redefine the global AI landscape—turning ambition into innovation, and vision into reality.