In a major leap forward for India’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through its IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD), has initiated the empanelment of agencies to provide AI Compute and Cloud Services. This ambitious project aims to create a scalable AI infrastructure powered by 10,000 GPUs, catering to the needs of startups, researchers, students, and academicians to foster innovation and development in AI.
Empowering AI Innovation
The initiative, part of the IndiaAI Mission, focuses on democratizing access to AI infrastructure, enabling widespread participation in cutting-edge AI research and development. By providing a robust computational ecosystem, MeitY aims to bolster India’s position as a global leader in AI while ensuring the technology’s ethical and responsible use.
The empanelment process, launched via a Request for Empanelment (RFE) on August 16, 2024, received overwhelming interest from service providers. A pre-bid meeting held in August 2024 witnessed participation from over 50 firms, including Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Data Center Service Providers, and MSMEs.
Widespread Industry Participation
After resolving pre-bid queries and extending the bid submission deadline to November 28, 2024, the submission process culminated with 19 bidders presenting proposals. Leading names such as Tata Communications Limited, Jio Platforms Limited, Yotta Data Services Private Limited, and others demonstrated their commitment to advancing India’s AI ambitions.
The technical evaluation process commenced on December 2, 2024, with a committee assessing proposals based on stringent eligibility and technical criteria outlined in the RFE. Shortlisted bidders will proceed to the technical presentation stage, followed by the opening of commercial bids for technically qualified participants.
Driving Transparency and Collaboration
The empanelment is designed for a 36-month term, extendable by an additional 12 months under mutually agreed terms. IndiaAI has committed to ensuring that all processes post-empanelment remain transparent and accessible, fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
This initiative aligns with IndiaAI’s broader mission to:
- Democratize AI access across diverse societal segments.
- Enhance AI innovation and leadership on the global stage.
- Promote technological self-reliance.
- Uphold ethical and responsible AI deployment.
Leading the Way in AI Transformation
IndiaAI, operating under MeitY as an Independent Business Division, serves as the driving force behind this transformative initiative. With a focus on enabling access to advanced AI tools and infrastructure, IndiaAI is paving the way for India to become a hub for AI innovation, while simultaneously ensuring inclusivity and responsible AI practices.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem. By enabling access to a scalable AI computing infrastructure, MeitY is creating opportunities for students, researchers, and startups to explore AI’s potential, accelerate innovation, and contribute to India’s technological and economic growth.
This groundbreaking step not only strengthens India’s technological foundation but also sets a benchmark for global AI initiatives, solidifying the nation’s position as a leader in AI-driven development.
