India has the potential to spearhead the AI technology revolution, but it requires a well-defined strategy that focuses on "Indianising" large language models (LLMs), transitioning from experimental phases to practical execution, and developing AI platforms that address social needs, according to Romesh Wadhwani.
Wadhwani, an Indian-American billionaire and Silicon Valley veteran, has been a vocal advocate for India's AI capabilities. He emphasizes that India must accelerate its AI strategy across consumer, business, and government sectors to truly lead in this technological era. He believes that with the right skills and investments, India could emerge as a winner in the AI race.
Wadhwani's vision includes tailoring LLMs to better suit the Indian context. This "Indianising" could involve training AI models on diverse Indian languages, cultural nuances, and societal challenges, ensuring that AI solutions are relevant and effective for the local population. This approach would help to overcome the limitations of generic AI models developed primarily for Western contexts.
Another key aspect of Wadhwani's strategy is the shift from experimentation to execution. While many Indian IT firms are exploring AI, Wadhwani stresses the importance of rapidly implementing AI solutions to gain a competitive edge. He cautions that IT firms must reinvent themselves quickly to avoid disruption. This involves moving beyond pilot projects and integrating AI into core business processes to drive tangible results.
Furthermore, Wadhwani underscores the need to build AI platforms for social good. He envisions AI being used to address India's pressing socioeconomic problems, such as inadequate healthcare and educational facilities. His non-profit organization, Wadhwani AI, is already working with the Indian government to develop AI-powered initiatives in areas like agriculture, health, and education. One example is the integration of Wadhwani AI's clinical decision support system into the eSanjeevani national telemedicine platform, which aids remote doctors with AI-driven diagnoses.
Wadhwani's commitment to AI extends beyond advocacy. He has invested significantly in the field, including a $1 billion investment in generative AI technology through his investment firm SAIGroup. He has also established the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, with the goal of shaping policies for responsible AI governance.
According to market research firm Forrester, spending on enterprise AI software is predicted to reach $60.4 billion globally by 2023 and grow to $227 billion by 2030, with GenAI accounting for 55% of the market. Wadhwani believes that AI is currently in a boom phase, and companies that fail to adopt AI technology risk losing their competitive advantage.
Wadhwani acknowledges the importance of bridging the skills gap in India to fully realize its AI potential. His foundation is working with the Indian government to develop a national jobs platform, an AI-powered initiative designed to create jobs and equip individuals with in-demand skills. He also sees a significant opportunity in skilling micro-entrepreneurs in AI and other areas to enable them to grow faster and create more jobs.
Wadhwani's optimism is tempered by a call for ethical considerations and appropriate policies for AI governance. He recognizes the potential risks associated with AI and emphasizes the need for guardrails to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.
