Rajeev Chandrasekhar Announcement: Google Invests in Indian AI Startups

According to Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, only Indian startups would be allowed direct access to the Indian data sets project, and large digital companies like Google invests in AI startups in order to gain indirect access.

Only Indian start-ups will have access to the India data sets scheme. The minister revealed this at a digital policy conference held by the Public Affairs Forum of India. “Google or other foreign companies have to invest in Indian artificial intelligence start-ups to get access in turn, or not get access at all,” he added.

The government is developing an artificial intelligence platform called India AI that is equipped with one of the largest publicly available datasets in the world. 

According to Chandrasekhar, the government’s priority is to assist deeptech start-ups in industries like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

“We observe that deeptech is receiving a sizable portion of the digital economy’s pie. The enormous Indian market, which gives access to a sizable consumer base, has played a significant role in the development of Indian start-ups”, according to him.

But now the story needs to focus on the development of intellectual property in India, he continued.

When asked about the country’s regulation of AI, Chandrasekhar responded that the process was still in its infancy. There is no need to develop a unique legal framework for AI, as the upcoming Digital India Act, which will replace the Information Technology Act, will include the safeguards to prevent any consumer harm from AI products.

The minister added that the government is putting the finishing touches on India AI initiative, which will support start-ups and innovation in the sector, and that roadshows for it will start soon.