Despite considerable promise, India’s journey towards a foundational AI language model appears encumbered by various hurdles. Following the global frenzy that ChatGPT incited and China's advancements with DeepSeek, India finds itself in an uphill battle. The nation has yet to produce a comparable foundational language model crucial for driving applications like chatbots. While the Indian government optimistically assures that a homegrown model is imminent, bolstered by support through high-end chips for startups and academic institutions, experts remain skeptical.
AI giants like OpenAI and Microsoft have begun recognizing India’s potential, with the latter committing billions to bolster the country's technological infrastructure. Moreover, with over 200 startups rampant in the generative AI realm, there is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit. However, analysts highlight India's crucial need for system overhaul in education, research, and policy to keep up with leading nations.
Holding the fifth position on Stanford's AI Vibrancy Index, the country still trails in critical areas, having captured less than 0.5% of the AI patents globally from 2010-2022, compared to China's impressive 60% and the USA's 20%. Furthermore, India's governmental budget for AI initiatives of $1 billion pales when stacked against the staggering financial commitments of superpowers.
Although India boasts a hefty 15% of the world's AI workforce, many talents choose to migrate, influenced by the absence of robust research and developmental support within the country. The example of India’s successful unified payment interface (UPI) suggests that a similar synergy between government, academic, and industry could possibly propel AI growth. Yet, India's IT industry predominantly focuses on service-based work, leaving foundational tech to startups while facing skepticism about rapid achievements.
Experts urge for substantial improvements in infrastructure and investment in semiconductor manufacturing to develop the hardware needed for foundational models. Until these systems are laid, India risks falling behind in the ongoing global race for artificial intelligence supremacy.
AI giants like OpenAI and Microsoft have begun recognizing India’s potential, with the latter committing billions to bolster the country's technological infrastructure. Moreover, with over 200 startups rampant in the generative AI realm, there is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit. However, analysts highlight India's crucial need for system overhaul in education, research, and policy to keep up with leading nations.
Holding the fifth position on Stanford's AI Vibrancy Index, the country still trails in critical areas, having captured less than 0.5% of the AI patents globally from 2010-2022, compared to China's impressive 60% and the USA's 20%. Furthermore, India's governmental budget for AI initiatives of $1 billion pales when stacked against the staggering financial commitments of superpowers.
Although India boasts a hefty 15% of the world's AI workforce, many talents choose to migrate, influenced by the absence of robust research and developmental support within the country. The example of India’s successful unified payment interface (UPI) suggests that a similar synergy between government, academic, and industry could possibly propel AI growth. Yet, India's IT industry predominantly focuses on service-based work, leaving foundational tech to startups while facing skepticism about rapid achievements.
Experts urge for substantial improvements in infrastructure and investment in semiconductor manufacturing to develop the hardware needed for foundational models. Until these systems are laid, India risks falling behind in the ongoing global race for artificial intelligence supremacy.
