National AI Innovation Program Launched by Govt

New Delhi, June 3, 2025 — The Government of India, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), today launched the "National AI Innovation Program" aimed at accelerating the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across industries and sectors. The program was inaugurated by Union Minister of Electronics and IT, Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in a high-profile event attended by top tech leaders, research institutions, and international AI experts. The initiative is part of the government’s broader “Digital India 2030” vision.

**Key objectives of the program include:**

• Establishing 20 AI research centers across the country.
•  Providing grants of up to ₹50 crore for AI startups working in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
•  Partnering with academic institutions to develop AI-focused curricula.
• Creating a regulatory and ethical framework for safe AI deployment.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Chandrasekhar said:   *"India must not only be an AI user but also a global leader in AI innovation. This program is a step toward achieving that goal while ensuring responsible and inclusive AI development."* The government also announced a public-private partnership model under which corporations can co-invest in AI infrastructure and research. Companies like Infosys, Google India, and TCS have expressed interest in participating. **Industry Response**   Leading figures from the startup ecosystem welcomed the move. Radhika Mehta, CEO of AI-health startup NeuroScan, remarked:   *"This is a massive boost for Indian innovation. Government support of this scale is a game-changer for early-stage startups."* The government plans to monitor progress through a dedicated AI Task Force, with annual reviews and publicly available impact reports. The program is set to roll out in phases, with the first phase focusing on Tier-II cities to foster inclusive technological growth beyond metro hubs. With this launch, India joins nations like the US, UK, and China in establishing a national framework for AI development, research, and regulation. For more information, visit [www.digitalindia.gov.in](http://www.digitalindia.gov.in)