Sarvam AI: In a major milestone for India’s artificial intelligence ambitions, the government has selected Sarvam AI as the first startup to develop the country’s first indigenous foundational AI model. The announcement was made on Saturday by Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while unveiling the guidelines for the ECMS (Electronics Components and Manufacturing Scheme) initiative.
Among 67 proposals reviewed, Sarvam AI emerged as the first startup to be chosen for this prestigious mission. The minister also indicated that two to three more startups will be inducted into the program in the near future.
Speaking about the broader scope of the initiative, Vaishnaw said, “The ECMS is a horizontal scheme. It will contribute across various sectors such as electronics, automotive, and many more.”
About Sarvam AI
Founded in July 2023 by Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar, Sarvam AI has quickly positioned itself as a leader in generative AI solutions. Both founders had previously worked at AI4Bharat, an organization backed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, which focuses on building AI tools for Indian languages.
Sarvam AI is dedicated to creating a full-stack generative AI ecosystem — covering everything from training customized AI models to deploying them on enterprise-grade platforms. The startup’s mission is to deliver AI solutions that cater specifically to Indian enterprises and public sector needs.
Vivek Raghavan, who played a crucial role in building digital public goods like Aadhaar, emphasized that Sarvam AI plans to collaborate closely with Indian enterprises. By leveraging their proprietary data, Sarvam AI aims to develop domain-specific AI models that can drive large-scale societal impact, building upon India’s successful India Stack initiative.
In December 2023, Sarvam AI secured $41 million in its Series A funding round, backed by major investors including Lightspeed Ventures, Peak XV Partners, and Khosla Ventures.
A New Dawn for India’s AI Future
The government’s move to develop an indigenous AI foundational model marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s digital capabilities. It is poised to empower Indian industries to better harness their data and technological resources, promoting innovation, enhancing competitiveness on a global scale, and encouraging AI-driven development across the nation.
With Sarvam AI at the forefront, India is not just preparing for the AI revolution — it is aiming to lead it.
