The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): In a significant move to boost the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem in India, iCreate has joined hands with Microsoft and the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) to launch the iMPEL-AI (iCreate-Microsoft programme for Emerging Leaders in Artificial Intelligence) program. This initiative aligns with the vision shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella to catalyze AI startups not only in major cities but also in smaller towns across India.
MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted this partnership as a stride towards impactful collaborations in AI and emerging technologies. The iMPEL-AI program aims to screen 1,100 AI innovators across India to become AI Most Valuable Players (MVPs), with a focus on priority themes like healthcare, financial inclusion, sustainability, education, agriculture, and smart cities. In its second stage, the program will select and scale 100 startups nationwide to build with Azure OpenAI, offering the top 25 startups go-to-market support from Microsoft’s Global Network for developing advanced, globally competitive products.
Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships, Microsoft, emphasized India’s unique position in seizing the AI opportunity. The program is designed to nurture AI innovators and entrepreneurs, bridging the nation’s AI skill gap and fostering new possibilities across the country. Microsoft aims to be India’s co-pilot in its AI transformation journey, as seen through AI innovations already benefiting various sectors in India.
Avinash Punekar, CEO of iCreate, remarked on AI’s transformative impact globally. He noted that India, with its vast tech talent pool, can lead AI innovations on a global scale. iCreate, known for pioneering initiatives fueling innovation, aims to leverage India’s tech strength through its partnership with Microsoft. The iMPEL-AI program is meticulously crafted to foster AI innovation and product development, providing Indian innovators with the mentorship and technology infrastructure required to build successful AI ventures globally.
This collaboration represents a concerted effort to harness India’s technological capabilities and innovation potential in AI, positioning the country as a significant player in global AI advancements. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing and catalyzing future technologies, shaping the trajectory of India’s tech landscape.