India’s ambition to build its own large language models (LLMs) is rapidly gaining momentum, with close to 200 proposals submitted under the IndiaAI Mission. These proposals focus on creating foundational AI models trained on Indian datasets, languages, and cultural contexts, reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign technologies.
This development was confirmed by Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), during the Nano Electronics Roadshow held in Bengaluru on March 27. Singh noted the proposals reflect India’s strong startup and research ecosystem, and indicated that final selections for funding are expected soon.
IndiaAI Mission Lays Technical and Financial Groundwork
To support the development of indigenous AI, the government allocated Rs 1,500 crore under the IndiaAI Mission. Since its announcement in early 2024, key components of the initiative have been activated, including the launch of the AI Kosha platform for non-personal datasets and the IndiaAI Compute Portal to provide GPU access for researchers and startups.
The proposal submission process began in January, receiving 67 applications by mid-February and an additional 120 by mid-March. Singh stated that one of the key barriers—lack of compute infrastructure—is being addressed through these platforms.
Semiconductor Support Tied to AI Development
Singh also highlighted the connection between India’s AI aspirations and its semiconductor initiatives. He pointed out that advances in chip design and domestic GPU production could eventually reduce the cost of training foundational models. The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme and other semiconductor-focused policies are expected to contribute to this goal.
While the development of hardware capabilities will take time, Singh reaffirmed that India’s talent pool is already moving forward with AI model development.
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Nano Electronics Roadshow Showcases National Innovation
Held alongside the IndiaAI discussions, the Nano Electronics Roadshow in Bengaluru served as a platform to showcase over 100 intellectual properties, 50 advanced technologies, and innovations from more than 35 deep-tech startups.
Backed by six national nanoelectronics centres under MeitY, the event attracted over 700 participants from industry, academia, and policy sectors. It served as a hub for discussions on advancing India’s semiconductor and nanoelectronics ecosystem.
Semiconductor Workforce and Collaborative Commitments
S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, emphasized the importance of building a semiconductor-ready workforce, noting the goal of training 85,000 professionals. He reiterated the significance of public funding in semiconductor investments, where 70–75% of the capital in major facilities comes from taxpayer support.
Krishnan framed the mission as a shared responsibility between government, industry, and academia. The event concluded with the signing of four MoUs between academic institutions and industry stakeholders, furthering collaboration in semiconductor and nanoelectronics development.
