Meta and IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have announced the launch of the Center for Generative AI, Shrijan (सृजन), at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur. This new Center of Excellence (CoE) aims to advance open-source artificial intelligence (AI) development across India, focusing on education, mobility, healthcare, and national challenges through generative AI.
The Strategic Vision for Shrijan (सृजन): Advancing India’s AI Leadership
Meta and IndiaAI, in collaboration with AICTE, aim to establish Shrijan as a hub for AI research and development in India. The CoE is tasked with fostering indigenous innovation, preparing young developers, and promoting responsible AI practices. It will specifically focus on Large Language Models (LLMs) and provide training and resources to advance open-source AI capabilities.
Key Components of Shrijan:
- Generative AI Research & Development: Prioritizing real-world applications in health, education, and mobility
- Innovation & Startups: Identifying and supporting student-led startups to address India’s unique challenges
- Collaboration with Industry & Academia: Partnerships with institutions like AIIMS Jodhpur, PGI Chandigarh, and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya
“Shrijan is a critical step in empowering India’s next generation of AI innovators,” said Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY. “Our collaboration with Meta will strengthen India’s position in AI, ensuring ethical and responsible development for societal impact.”
Funding & Resource Commitment by Meta and IndiaAI
To support Shrijan, Meta has committed up to INR 750 Lakhs over three years, providing essential resources for research, training, and innovation. IndiaAI will further bolster the CoE’s research efforts, facilitating connections with academic and industry partners.
Funding Utilization
- Infrastructure Development: Enhancing compute resources for academic, research, and startup use
- Program Implementation: Workshops, hackathons, and skill-building initiatives across India
- Ongoing Innovation: Sustained support from IIT Jodhpur, MeitY, and Meta to ensure long-term impact
Skilling the Next Generation: “YuvAI for Skilling and Capacity Building” Initiative
Meta and AICTE have introduced the “YuvAI for Skilling and Capacity Building” initiative under Shrijan to bridge India’s AI talent gap. The program will reach 100,000 youth (ages 18–30), equipping them with open-source LLM skills and AI competencies over three years.
YuvAI Program Highlights:
- Gen AI Resource Hub: Access to courses, datasets, and case studies
- Master Training Workshops: Hands-on LLM foundational courses
- Hackathons and Startup Support: Incentives for top AI solutions and funding for early-stage student-led AI startups
This initiative aligns with India’s goal to nurture 1 lakh developers skilled in AI technologies by 2027, ensuring the country’s future AI workforce is well-prepared to tackle global challenges.
“Our collaboration with Meta on YuvAI reflects India’s commitment to skill-building in emerging tech,” said Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE.
Fostering Responsible AI and Sustainable Innovation
IIT Jodhpur’s Shrijan will emphasize ethical AI practices through guidelines, policy frameworks, and partnerships, advocating responsible AI application across India.
Key Research Domains:
- Education: AI solutions for educational accessibility and personalized learning
- Healthcare: Generative AI applications for improved diagnostics and treatment options
- Mobility: Developing AI-driven transportation solutions for sustainable urbanization
The CoE’s research will inform AI policies, with inputs from Meta, IndiaAI, and IIT Jodhpur, providing advisory support to guide India’s national AI standards.
Stakeholders on Shrijan’s Impact
Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY: “These initiatives are pivotal for establishing a vibrant ecosystem for AI research, skill development, and open-source innovation in India, reinforcing our commitment to responsible and impactful AI.”
Shivnath Thukral, VP, Public Policy, Meta India: “Meta is committed to nurturing an open-source AI ecosystem. The establishment of Shrijan reflects our commitment to driving technology forward while aligning with IndiaAI’s mission for innovation.”
Mayank Vatsa, Professor, IIT Jodhpur: “With support from Meta and MeitY, Shrijan will foster a collaborative ecosystem for foundational AI research, emphasizing open science and indigenous AI talent.”
Future Goals of IIT Jodhpur’s Shrijan (सृजन)
The CoE’s target is to train and inspire 1 lakh developers in AI skills, catalyzing India’s role as a global AI hub. IIT Jodhpur envisions that Shrijan will generate sustainable AI solutions addressing unique challenges across sectors like agriculture, smart cities, and sustainability.
- 1 Lakh AI Trained Youth: Building AI capacity for India’s future workforce
- Strategic Partnerships: Expanding collaborative networks with academia and industry worldwide
- Sustainable AI Ecosystem: Ensuring continued growth through funding, partnerships, and responsible practices
Conclusion: Charting India’s AI Future with Shrijan
Shrijan at IIT Jodhpur is set to transform India’s AI landscape, empowering youth with knowledge and resources to innovate responsibly. With Meta’s investment and IndiaAI’s support, Shrijan positions India to lead in generative AI research, application, and policy—propelling India towards becoming a $5 trillion economy driven by technological advancement.
Source: Press Information Bureau edited by Team BharatiyaMedia.
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