The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced AIKosha, a secure platform designed to accelerate AI innovation in India. It serves as a central repository, offering over 300 datasets, 80+ models, and diverse AI use cases.
AIKosha also features an AI sandbox with an integrated development environment, tools, and tutorials. Key security measures include content discoverability, AI readiness scoring, permission-based access, data encryption, secure APIs, and real-time firewalls to ensure safe and efficient AI development.
Key Initiatives Under the IndiaAI Mission
Marking a significant step in India’s AI journey, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched several initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission during its anniversary event in New Delhi on March 7, 2025. These initiatives include:
1. AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform
A secure AI hub with over 300 datasets and 80 models, fostering the development of diverse, unbiased AI solutions.
2. AI Compute Portal
- Initial rollout: 10,000 GPUs, with 8,693 more planned.
- Subsidized compute services: Up to 40% off for startups, researchers, and enterprises.
- Hardware support: Includes NVIDIA H100, H200, A100, L40S, L4, AMD MI300x, 325X, Intel Gaudi 2, AWS Tranium, and Inferentia, alongside network and storage services.
3. AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials
Designed to equip government officials with AI skills, aligning with global best practices for data-driven policy-making and governance.
4. iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi
An AI-powered learning platform that delivers personalized training recommendations for public officials to enhance governance capabilities.
5. IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F
A four-month accelerator program for 10 Indian AI startups, providing:
- One month online training
- Three months onsite mentorship at STATION F, Paris
- Access to European AI markets
6. IndiaAI Application Development Initiative
Focuses on high-impact AI solutions in critical sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Climate change
- Governance
- Agriculture
- Learning disabilities
With 900 AI solution submissions, 30 have been shortlisted for further development.
7. IndiaAI FutureSkills
- Fellowships for UG and PG students to support AI research.
- Establishing Data Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities for foundational AI courses.
- Specialized training for Data Annotators and Data Curators in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Ministerial Insights
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that AIKosha and the AI Compute Portal are game-changers in India’s AI research landscape. He highlighted India’s #1 ranking in AI skill penetration and its position among the Top 10 AI nations globally.
He further stressed India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework, which ensures ethically sourced, consent-based datasets, reducing dependency on synthetic and foreign data. Speaking on India’s AI ambitions, he added:
Prime Minister Modi’s decade-long vision for AI, semiconductors, and deep tech will propel India into the top five AI nations worldwide.
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan noted that the AI Compute Portal is the largest component of the IndiaAI Mission, accounting for 45% of the mission’s Rs. 10,372 crore budget. He emphasized that AI will play a crucial role in achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, boosting economic progress across various sectors.
IndiaAI Mission: A Roadmap for AI Growth
Launched in March 2024, the IndiaAI Mission aims to build a robust AI ecosystem through public-private collaborations. It is structured around seven core pillars:
- IndiaAI Compute
- IndiaAI Datasets Platform
- IndiaAI Application Development Initiatives
- IndiaAI FutureSkills
- IndiaAI Innovation Center
- IndiaAI Startup Financing
- Safe & Trusted AI
The mission focuses on democratizing AI access, enhancing data quality, fostering indigenous AI capabilities, and ensuring ethical AI practices.
Recent developments include:
- 67 proposals submitted for developing indigenous foundation models.
- Establishment of an AI Safety Institute for ethical AI deployment.
- Announcement of eight AI projects under the Safe & Trusted AI pillar.
Additional AI Developments
Last month, Ashwini Vaishnaw also launched:
- The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge, receiving 900 submissions for impactful AI solutions.
- AI fellowships for students from IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other institutes.
- IndiaAI Data Labs in smaller cities, offering AI courses across key industries.
These initiatives aim to democratize AI, drive innovation, and establish India as a global AI leader, Vaishnaw emphasized.