India Launches BharatGen Project to Bring Generative AI to Local Languages

India has taken a pioneering step in advancing generative AI with the launch of the BharatGen initiative, designed to make AI accessible across various Indian languages. Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the significance of this project, noting it as the world's first state-funded multimodal large language model project focused on Indian languages. Spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), BharatGen aims to generate high-quality text and multimodal content in different Indian languages, fostering innovation and inclusion in the country's diverse linguistic landscape.

The BharatGen project was launched on September 30. Notable attendees included Principal Scientific Advisor A K Sood, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Abhay Karandikar, and Department of Telecommunications Secretary Neeraj Mittal. Minister Singh, unable to attend in person, conveyed his support through a video message.

During the event, Sood unveiled four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) dedicated to Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). These hubs are at premier institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, IIT Madras, the Centre for Development of Telematics New Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi. These T-Hubs will focus on driving cutting-edge research and innovation in quantum technologies, setting the stage for India's leadership in the rapidly evolving field of quantum research.

Each T-Hub is structured using the Hub-Spoke-Spike model, which fosters a network of research projects (Spokes) and individual research groups (Spikes) around the central hubs. This collaborative model enhances coordination among research institutions, allowing for pooling of resources and expertise, and it aims to position India as a global leader in quantum technologies. The hubs span 17 Technical Groups across 17 states and two union territories, further strengthening India's research capabilities.

BharatGen is a groundbreaking initiative for generative AI and an example of how technology can be democratized. A core feature of BharatGen is its open-source foundational models, which will make AI more accessible to all sectors across India. This inclusive approach is designed to create a collaborative ecosystem where researchers and developers can work together on innovative AI solutions, thereby accelerating the development of cutting-edge applications in Indian languages.

A key aspect of BharatGen is its focus on data-efficient learning, particularly for Indian languages that have limited digital presence. The project works closely with academic institutions to develop models that deliver effective results with minimal data. This approach is crucial, as global AI initiatives underserve many Indian languages, and BharatGen aims to fill this gap by creating AI tools that cater specifically to India's linguistic diversity.

The initiative is expected to be completed within two years and will benefit a wide range of institutions, including government bodies, private organizations, educational institutions, and research organizations. By building a robust infrastructure for AI in local languages, BharatGen will make it easier for citizens to access AI-driven services in their native tongues, driving inclusivity and innovation throughout the country.

Minister Singh underscored the transformative potential of BharatGen, calling it a project that will create lasting impacts on India's AI ecosystem. He emphasized that by making AI more accessible to the broader population, BharatGen would help democratize technological innovation in the country, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and research.

The BharatGen initiative also intersects with launching the four thematic hubs under the National Quantum Mission, reinforcing India's commitment to advancing technologies that will shape the country's future. These T-Hubs, established at some of India's top research institutions, will support advancements in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, positioning India at the forefront of global innovation.

With its dual focus on generative AI and quantum technologies, the BharatGen project is set to propel India into a new era of technological advancement. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and focusing on the needs of Indian languages, BharatGen aims to create a more inclusive and accessible future for AI in India.