New AI Laboratories to Enhance Technology Access in Meghalaya

Establishment of AI Labs in Meghalaya

Shillong, Dec 4: On Wednesday, Union Minister for Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled plans for the creation of three new data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories in Meghalaya. This initiative is part of India's broader strategy to ensure that technology is accessible to all citizens.

Vaishnaw made this announcement during the Regional Artificial Intelligence Summit held virtually from Shillong.

The new laboratories will be located at ITI Park Shillong, Shillong Polytechnic, and ITI in Tura. Currently, there is an operational facility at the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Shillong.

He emphasized the importance of making advanced technology available throughout the nation, comparing AI's future significance to that of electricity in contemporary life. "AI will become an integral part of our daily existence," he stated.

Vaishnaw underscored the necessity for AI to be accessible to everyone, enabling individuals to leverage its benefits. The government's goal is to establish a total of 570 data and AI laboratories across India.

So far, 30 of these centers have been set up in tier-2 and tier-3 cities aimed at training the youth.

He also mentioned that the country is working on developing its own large language models (LLMs) to decrease dependence on foreign companies such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI.

As part of this initiative, over 3,800 datasets will be generated, and more than 38,000 Graphic Processing Units will be utilized to train AI models using these datasets.

"Our Prime Minister has envisioned a future where technology is democratized. Our focus will be on people, the planet, and progress. The AI initiative will receive funding of Rs 10,300 crore over the next five years," the minister concluded.