Big leap for IndiaAI

The swift selection of Sarvam is encouraging but the road ahead is fraught with challenges

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The government's selection of Bengaluru-based start-up Sarvam to develop the country's first indigenous large language model (LLM) under the ₹10,370-crore IndiaAI Mission is certainly a commendable step. The announcement regarding the intent to build a home-grown foundational artificial intelligence (AI) model was made in January, and Sarvam's selection from 67 applicants followed within just two to three months. This rapid decision-making reflects a sense of urgency and ambition to position the country as a global AI contender, especially amid the disruptive rise of China's low-cost, open-source DeepSeek model.

The government's investment in 18,693 graphics processing units (GPUs), an AI safety institution, and societal applications in agriculture and education signals a holistic approach. By fostering local talent and infrastructure, the government is laying the foundation for technological sovereignty. This initiative not only advances AI innovation but also heralds the country's transition from a service-driven to a product-driven nation. While monetisation and global competitiveness remain daunting, a strong beginning has been made.