Govt invites applications to build AI solutions for critical sectors

Government has come up with an innovation challenge, which is aimed at promoting the scaling and adoption of impactful AI solutions to enable large-scale socio-economic transformation in India. The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge has been announced by the IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD), under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and IT.

This innovation challenge is part of the Applications Development Initiative within the IndiaAI Mission, which seeks to advance the development, deployment, and adoption of AI applications in critical sectors. The deadline for application submission is September 30.

The challenge is open to Indian innovators, startups, non-profits, students, academic/R&D organizations, and companies. Winners will receive up to Rs 1 crore as award and the opportunity to deploy their solutions at a national scale. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of leveraging AI for inclusive growth.

The following focus areas have been identified, along with indicative use cases, for the Innovation Challenge:

·  Healthcare: Enhancing diagnostics and patient care, early disease detection using AI-enhanced X-rays, strengthening ophthalmology outcomes and vector-borne disease surveillance

·  Improved Governance: Leveraging AI-driven language technologies for better public service accessibility and grievance redressal

·   Agriculture: Empowering farmers with AI assisted crop advisory services, financial inclusion and utilization of geospatial analytics to improve food security.

·  Assistive Technology for Learning Disabilities: Early detection and support for specific learning disabilities, enhanced multimedia accessibility tools and gamified learning.

·  Climate Change and Disaster Management: AI-driven early warning systems and multi-hazard susceptibility mapping.

IndiaAI, an IBD under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI's benefits across all strata of society, bolster India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.