IndiaAI Mission: Government to Announce GPU Tender for AI Infrastructure Soon

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is gearing up to accelerate India's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. According to sources, a tender for procuring Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) is expected to be rolled out within the next two weeks. These GPUs will form the backbone of a national AI computing infrastructure, crucial for research and development in the field.

Addressing the Gap in AI Infrastructure

This move comes under the umbrella of the Rs 10,732 crore IndiaAI Mission. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in AI infrastructure, specifically focusing on GPU-based computing power. Startups and researchers will benefit from this program through two key methods:

• Viability Gap Funding: The government will provide financial assistance to make AI computing infrastructure more affordable for these entities.

• Voucher System: A voucher system will be implemented, allowing startups and researchers to access computing resources at subsidized costs.

The forthcoming request for proposal (RFP) will detail the initial GPU capacity needed by the government and the projected deployment timeline. This transparency will ensure efficient resource allocation and project management.

Current Landscape and Expanding Opportunities

Presently, access to AI-specific GPUs remains limited in India. Yotta Data Services stands as the sole data center offering them currently. The upcoming RFP is expected to clarify whether data centers and cloud service providers from other countries can participate in the bidding process. This international participation could broaden the scope of expertise and resources available for the project.

Fostering Global Dialogue on AI

Beyond infrastructure development, MeitY is taking a leadership role in shaping the global conversation on AI. As the current lead chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), India will host the initiative's second edition from July 3-4, 2024. Rechristened as the "Global IndiaAI Summit," the event will bring together leading international AI experts. Discussions will focus on crucial aspects of AI development, including:

• Compute Capacity: Addressing the need for robust computing power to support AI research and applications.

• Foundational Models: Developing the core building blocks upon which future AI advancements will be built.

• Datasets: Ensuring access to high-quality data, essential for training effective AI models.

• Application Development: Encouraging the creation of practical and beneficial AI solutions.

This summit aims to foster dialogue on AI, particularly among nations of the Global South, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Investing in the Future: AI Research Fellowships

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also launched another initiative to support future generations of AI researchers. The ministry has invited nominations from 50 top engineering colleges ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Selected B.Tech and M.Tech students pursuing AI projects will receive fellowships.

• B.Tech Students: Selected students will be awarded Rs 1 lakh disbursed in three tranches.

• M.Tech Students: M.Tech students will receive Rs 2 lakh spread across four tranches of Rs 50,000 each.

This fellowship program will directly support young talent and encourage innovation in the field of AI.

Conclusion

The Indian government's initiatives outlined above demonstrate a multi-pronged approach to propel the country's position in the global AI landscape.

• The upcoming GPU tender signifies a significant step towards building a robust AI computing infrastructure. This will empower researchers and startups to develop cutting-edge AI solutions.

• The IndiaAI Mission's financial support through viability gap funding and voucher systems makes AI resources more accessible, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Hosting the Global IndiaAI Summit positions India as a thought leader in the responsible development and application of AI. International collaboration fostered by the summit can accelerate progress in the field.

• Investing in future generations through AI research fellowships ensures a skilled workforce equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.

By addressing infrastructure gaps, providing financial support, promoting international collaboration, and nurturing young talent, India is poised to become a major player in the global AI ecosystem. The success of these initiatives will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI research and development in India and beyond.