The IndiaAI Mission has revealed that, as of February 15, it has received approximately 67 proposals aimed at creating indigenous AI models.

According to reports, of the total submissions, 22 are concentrated on foundational models, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and Large Multimodal Models (LMMs), while 45 target domain-specific Small Language Models (SLMs) in sectors like healthcare, education, and finance.

These proposals were put forward in response to a Call for Proposals issued in January by the IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC), inviting startups and researchers to develop AI models utilizing Indian datasets. IndiaAI is also in the process of setting up Srijan—a Center for Generative AI at IIT Jodhpur in partnership with Meta.

Furthermore, it has launched the “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aimed at further advancing the development of open-source AI in India. The initiative aims to promote the creation of indigenous AI applications, enhance skill development in AI, and improve research capabilities.

Through education, capacity building, and policy guidance, the Government of India will equip the next generation of researchers, students, and professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools for the responsible advancement and application of GenAI technologies.

In February, the Union Budget introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman included a Rs 500 crore allocation for a Centre of Excellence (CoE) that specifically focuses on AI in education. The Budget also announced the simultaneous establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools over the coming five years.

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The Government of India, along with MeitY, has also initiated the Digital India Bhashini project to offer AI-driven language solutions via the Bhashini platform for all 22 Scheduled Indian Languages, including Marathi.