Context:

Recently, Indian government has launched AI Kosha, a pioneering platform designed to provide researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups with access to crucial datasets, computing resources, and tools to develop advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. This initiative is part of the broader IndiaAI Mission, which aims to strengthen the country's AI ecosystem by facilitating innovation and fostering AI-driven solutions.

Key Features of AI Kosha-

AI Kosha offers several key features that will benefit AI researchers and innovators across India:

• Datasets: At launch, AI Kosha contains 316 datasets, the majority of which are focused on developing and validating language translation tools for Indian languages. These datasets will serve as valuable resources for AI developers working on creating solutions that cater to the country’s diverse linguistic landscape.
• Compute Capacity: The platform offers access to over 14,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) for shared use, with plans to add more GPUs quarterly. GPUs are critical for training AI models, and this resource will enable startups and researchers to accelerate their AI projects.
• Cost-Effective: One of the most appealing features of AI Kosha is the cost-effectiveness of using these GPUs. The price of accessing the GPUs is set at a low Rs 67 per hour, making it an affordable option for startups and academic institutions looking to build and test their AI models.

About IndiaAI Mission:

AI Kosha is a key part of the IndiaAI Mission, the government's flagship initiative aimed at advancing AI research and deployment across multiple sectors. With a financial outlay of ₹10,370 crore, the mission is designed to create a robust AI ecosystem in India. It includes seven pillars, and the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, which AI Kosha is a part of, is integral to ensuring that the necessary data and resources are available for innovation in AI.

Government’s Push for AI Research

The Indian government has been proactive in promoting AI research and innovation. In 2018, a committee was set up to explore the possibility of providing startups and government agencies access to non-personal data, such as traffic data from ride-sharing apps, to encourage AI development. Despite facing resistance from the tech industry, the government has continued its efforts to foster AI research, further solidifying its commitment to positioning India as a leader in AI.

Way forward:

The launch of AI Kosha signals a new era for AI research in India. With access to critical datasets and advanced computational infrastructure, Indian researchers and startups are now empowered to develop AI solutions that address the country’s unique challenges. This platform positions India as a hub for AI innovation, and as the government continues to support AI research, the country is poised to become a global leader in AI technology and development.