Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future it’s a powerful force shaping our present. From everyday applications to industry-wide transformations, AI is now embedded in how we live, work, and innovate. This AI Appreciation Day, India celebrates more than just technological advancement; it honors a nationwide movement driving inclusive growth, creativity, and progress.
India’s AI journey began in the 1960s with early computer science research and gained momentum with initiatives like the 1986 KBCS project. In the 1990s, institutions such as C-DAC advanced AI and supercomputing. The 2000s saw universities expanding AI programs and major tech firms investing deeply. With the launch of Digital India in 2015 and NITI Aayog’s national AI strategy in 2018, India set the foundation for global leadership in AI.
Now, in 2024, India stands as a thriving AI hub—ready to tackle future challenges while unlocking limitless possibilities through innovation.
The Early Days: How It All Began
India’s AI journey began in the 1960s with early computer science research and took a major leap in 1986 with the KBCS project on expert systems. In the 1990s, institutions like C-DAC led AI and supercomputing efforts. By the 2000s, universities expanded AI programs, and tech giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro ramped up investments. The Digital India initiative in 2015 and NITI Aayog’s 2018 national AI strategy further accelerated India’s path to becoming a global AI leader.
Voices Shaping the AI Movement
On this AI Appreciation Day, leaders from across the ecosystem are sharing their thoughts on AI’s role in India’s growth:
Ganesh Gopalan, Co-Founder & CEO, Gnani.ai
“Voice AI and small language models are unlocking digital access across India’s diverse languages.”
Nishant Patel, Co-Founder & CTO, Contentstack
“AI handles the routine, empowering creators to focus on what truly matters.”
Murugan Anjunan, CTO, HerKey
“AI is a collaborative force, enhancing a human-first future of work.”
Divye Agarwal, Co-Founder, BingeLabs
“AI breaks barriers by enabling culturally relevant content at scale.”
Manish Jha, CTO, Addverb
“AI powers smart automation while keeping people at the core.”
India’s Global AI Footprint
India has 16% of the world’s AI talent and the fastest growing developer community globally.
With a second‑place ranking in public generative AI projects on GitHub, India’s influence in the field of AI is expanding at a remarkable pace.
Startups, Funding and Challenges Ahead
According to Jaspreet Bindra, CEO of AI & Beyond
“Funding for Indian AI startups grew by 40% in 2024, reaching USD 800 million. While large deals have declined and challenges like data quality, GPU availability and skills gaps remain, the excitement around AI is huge.”
And to add to this momentum, the government has approved ₹10,300 crore for the India AI Mission to fuel innovation and infrastructure in the AI space.
AI Transforming Industries
Praveen Kumar V, Founder & CEO, Thriftizer Solutions
“AI automates the mundane, letting me focus on real challenges in digital commerce.”
Prashant Singh, CEO & Co-Founder, Blue Planet
“AI transforms waste management by enabling smarter reuse and value creation.”
The Road Ahead
India’s AI story is still in its infancy. With its wealth of talent, pro-business policies, and creative thinkers, the nation is well-positioned to become a major player in the global AI scene.In essence, AI is about people, not just about machines or automation. It entails creating material that uplift regional communities, provide access across the nation, and highlight India’s diverse landscape.
Conclusion
AI Appreciation Day reminds us that AI is about inclusivity, innovation, and progress—not just technology. From 1960s research to today’s thriving ecosystem, India’s journey shows what collaboration can achieve. While challenges like funding, infrastructure, and ethics remain, the future holds immense, yet-to-be-explored opportunities.