IIT Madras, IIT Jodhpur, and Infosys Join AI Alliance Led by Major Tech Giants

The AI Alliance, a prominent global network focused on safe and responsible AI, has recently welcomed seven new Indian members. This expansion underscores India's increasing influence in the global AI landscape and highlights the country's growing role in advancing artificial intelligence technology.

New Members Added to the Alliance

The newly joined members of the AI Alliance include:

• AI4Bharat (IIT Madras)

• IIT Jodhpur

• Infosys

• KissanAI

• People+AI

• Sarvam AI

• Wadhwani AI

These organizations bring a wealth of expertise and innovation to the Alliance, reflecting India's dynamic and rapidly growing AI sector. Notably, IIT Bombay remains a founding member of the Alliance, continuing its pivotal role in the initiative.

India’s Growing Influence in AI

This expansion highlights the significant role that India is playing in the global AI arena. The country’s vibrant developer community and burgeoning start-up ecosystem are contributing to notable advancements in AI technology. The Indian government’s support for open-source technology is particularly aligned with the Alliance’s objectives of promoting open innovation and collaborative efforts.

Insights from New Members

Mitesh M Khapra, Head of AI4Bharat and Associate Professor at IIT Madras, expressed enthusiasm about the new collaboration:

"AI4Bharat is excited to join the AI Alliance, reinforcing our commitment to advancing AI technology for Indian languages. Through this collaboration, we aim to push the boundaries of innovation in language technology for Indian languages, ensuring equitable access to AI for all. Together, we look forward to creating open-source solutions that empower communities, enhance digital inclusivity, and drive meaningful impact across academia, industry, and government sectors."

Professor Mayank Vatsa from IIT Jodhpur emphasized the significance of open AI research:

"Open AI research is crucial for the advancement of AI, as it fosters collaboration and the free exchange of ideas, accelerating breakthroughs that benefit society at large. Several initiatives at IIT Jodhpur aim to drive inclusive and ethical AI development, with a strong emphasis on responsible AI practices and the creation of robust foundation models focusing on the local context."

Balakrishna D. R. (Bali), Executive Vice President at Infosys, highlighted how Infosys’s goals align with the Alliance’s mission:

"At Infosys, we believe that ensuring AI’s safety and fostering responsible adoption of AI is an industry-wide endeavour that requires collaboration among technology providers, policymakers, academia, and government bodies. The AI Alliance’s objectives and approach align closely with Infosys Topaz."

Dr Amith Singhee from IBM Research India remarked on the benefits of joining the Alliance:

"Joining the AI Alliance will help these organizations access global expertise and work together on AI challenges in an open and responsible way."

Shivnath Thukral from Meta India noted:

"India's inclusion in the AI Alliance shows its growing influence in AI. Collaboration across borders is key, and the new members will enhance our collective efforts."

Diverse Contributions to the Alliance

The new members come from various fields including technology, agriculture, and academic research. This diversity underscores the necessity for a collaborative and responsible approach to AI development, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives that will contribute to the Alliance’s mission.

The inclusion of these Indian organizations not only reinforces India’s position in the global AI landscape but also strengthens the AI Alliance’s commitment to fostering innovative and ethical AI practices worldwide.