The Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology (Meity) has received offers for 20,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) from companies that bid under the Rs 10,370 crore India AI Mission. This figure is nearly double of what it is seeking through a request for empaneling companies. Meity’s request to build artificial-intelligence (AI) computing capacity, came on August 16 last year.
The aim is to create affordable AI infrastructure, which will support startups, academics, and research agencies, among others.
A senior official from Meity said, “We were looking at 10,000 GPUs ... but we have received offers for over 20,000. We are evaluating them, and after that we will take a call, which will take some time. There is enthusiasm among companies.”
As many as 28 companies have shown an interest in this and 19 bid for empanelment, which is for 36 months and can be extended by another 12.
Tie-up with Nvidia
Many Indian firms that have bid or shown an interest have tied up with American giant Nvidia, or have some understanding with it, to procure GPUs.
One of the big players that have tied up with Nvidia include Reliance Industries, which has jointly announced building AI computing infrastructure in the country. Apart from this, the Tata group, E2E and Olas Kruttim have also got into various tie ups and agreements to source GPUs.
The other firms that have bid include Sify Digital Services, Orient Technologies, and CMS Computers NxtGen.
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