IndiaAI Mission: A Game-Changer for AI Research
The IndiaAI Mission, a groundbreaking initiative by the Indian government, has attracted bids from 19 leading technology and cloud service providers. With a ₹10,738-crore budget, the mission aims to procure 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) to build an advanced compute infrastructure supporting startups, researchers, and academicians.
IndiaAI Mission: Jio Platforms, Tata Communications among 19 bidders competing to provide 10,000 GPUs |
Key Players Competing in the GPU Race
Notable bidders for the IndiaAI Mission include:
- Jio Platforms Limited
- Tata Communications Limited
- Yotta Data Services
- Sify Digital Services
- NxtGen Datacenter and Cloud Technologies
- E2E Networks Limited
- Ctrls Datacenters Ltd
Additionally, other participants in the bidding process are:
- CMS Computers India Pvt Ltd
- CloudThat Technologies
- Cyfuture
- Hostin Services Private Limited
- I2k2 Networks Private Limited
- Ishan Infotech Limited
- Locuz Enterprise Solutions Limited
- Orient Technologies Limited
- Path Infotech Limited
- Shezar Web Technologies Private Limited
- Unicloud Labs Pvt Ltd
- Vensysco Technologies Limited
Lowering Costs for a Thriving AI Ecosystem
The government’s bulk GPU procurement strategy is designed to lower prices while ensuring no losses to manufacturers. According to S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this initiative aims to make high-performance computing resources accessible across India’s AI ecosystem.
Next Steps in the Bidding Process
Bids were submitted by November 28, 2024, and officially opened on December 2, 2024. A technical evaluation committee will now assess the eligibility and compliance of each bidder based on set criteria. Shortlisted companies will present their solutions before moving to the commercial bidding stage.
The empanelment will be valid for three years, with the option for a one-year extension.