Context: The Central government is set to procure an additional 14,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) under the IndiaAI Mission. The recently launched IndiaAI Compute Portal provides access to 18,000 GPUs procured under the IndiaAI mission.
The expansion aims to bolster India’s AI computing infrastructure, particularly required for training large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs), which form the backbone of generative AI applications.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Graphics Processing Unit (GPU); IndiaAI Mission
What are Graphics Processing Unit (GPUs)?
- GPU is an electronic circuit (high end chip or processor) that can perform mathematical calculations at high speed.
- It was originally designed to speed computer graphics and image processing on various devices (like mobile phones and personal computers etc.)
- Presently, GPU is an essential enabler of emerging and future technologies such as machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.
- By performing mathematical calculations rapidly, a GPU reduces the time needed for a computer to run multiple programs.
About IndiaAI Mission
- IndiaAI Mission is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Total outlay: Rs 10,370 crores
- Aim: To build a comprehensive AI ecosystem that fosters innovation by democratising computing access, enhancing data quality and developing indigenous AI capabilities.
- Key Pillars: IndiaAI Mission seeks to develop:
- IndiaAI Compute Capacity: Establish a computing capacity of 10,000 or more GPUs, via public-private partnerships, offering AI services and resources.
- IndiaAI Innovation Centre: Develop and deploy indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LLMs) and domain-specific foundational models, with a capacity of >100 billion parameters, for priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
- IndiaAI Datasets Platform: Streamline the access to high-quality non-personal datasets for AI innovation.
- Responsible AI development.
- A major portion of the total scheme outlay has been earmarked for building computing infrastructure. The idea is that if such an infrastructure exists in the country, start-ups could plug into it for developing AI systems.
Recent Developments under the IndiaAI Mission and AI Ecosystem
- Scaling AI Compute Infrastructure (IndiaAI Compute Portal):
- The India AI Mission was launched with an initial target of 10,000 GPUs.
- Presently, India has a formal compute facility of 14,000 GPUs, which is soon expected to be scaled to more than 18,000 GPUs.
- It will allow end users to access a wide range of high-end GPUs and facilitate AI research and innovation in the country.
- Opening Access to affordable High-Performance Computing:
- India has pioneered the launch of an open GPU marketplace, making high-performance computing accessible to startups, researchers, and students.
- A new common compute facility is to be launched soon allowing researchers and startups to access GPU power at a highly subsidised rate of ₹100 per hour, compared to the global cost of $2.5 to $3 per hour.
- Robust GPU Supply Chain:
- The government has selected 10 companies to supply the GPUs, ensuring a robust and diversified supply chain.
- Indigenous GPU Capabilities:
- India aims to develop its own globally competitive GPU within the next 3-5 years, reducing reliance on imported technology.
- AI Kosha:
- Recently launched AI Kosha (IndiaAI Datasets Platform) under the IndiaAI Mission.
- It is India's first government-backed non-personal dataset platform to enable AI model training.
- Non-personal data includes data from agriculture department, weather forecasting, logistics, and datasets from Bhashini (government platform for Indian language translation).
- The government is talking to private players for them to contribute non-personal data for the platform.
- Strengthening Semiconductor Manufacturing:
- India is advancing semiconductor manufacturing, with five semiconductor plants under construction.
These developments will not only support AI innovation but also reinforce India’s position in the global electronics sector.