October 26, 2024: In a significant move to bolster artificial intelligence innovation in India, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This collaboration aims to promote open-source AI under the 'IndiaAI' initiative.

The partnership will establish the Centre for Generative AI, named Srijan, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur. Additionally, a new 'YuvAI Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building' will be launched in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Meta has pledged to donate up to ₹750 lakhs over the next three years to support these initiatives.

In a statement, MeitY emphasized that the Srijan AI centre is designed to empower students and young developers in India, encouraging them to leverage open-source AI models to tackle real-world challenges and foster positive social and economic outcomes. The Centre of Excellence will focus on key research areas, including education, mobility, and healthcare, aligning with global advancements in Generative AI.

Abhishek Singh, additional secretary of MeitY, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The Indian government is committed to supporting AI innovation and technological advancement to drive inclusive growth under the IndiaAI initiative. Collaborating with industry leaders like Meta is crucial to achieving this vision.” He further noted that fostering a culture of open-source innovation will help bridge the talent gap and position India as a global leader in responsible AI development.

The Centre of Excellence was initially announced in June 2023 and aims to ensure the sustainability of Generative AI research beyond its initial phase. With Meta’s seed funding and support from IndiaAI, IIT Jodhpur plans to develop a comprehensive strategy that includes diverse revenue streams, strategic partnerships, and continuous innovation.