StartupTalky

Tag: MeitY

  • Meity Seeking Concepts for Creating a Reliable AI Ecosystem and Tools

    Startups and other pertinent parties have been asked to submit ideas for developing AI-powered tools that can identify deepfakes to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The Ministry has requested five suggestions for the creation of domestic technical AI tools, rules, frameworks, and standards in order to establish a reliable AI ecosystem, in accordance with the expression of interest (EoI) issued by MeitY. As artificial intelligence (AI) advances make deepfakes more realistic, it is critical to provide deepfake detection techniques that protect society from possible disinformation and manipulation, as per the document released by MeitY. According to MeitY, in order to assess the authenticity of media and identify manipulation, the possible deepfake detection system should use advanced deep learning algorithms, provenance-based approaches, and other detection methods.

    Additionally, it stated that in order to facilitate automated cross-modal content verification, offer real-time detection, and improve digital ecosystem security, the submitted deepfake detection technologies should be constructed in a way that makes them simple to incorporate into web browsers and social media platforms.

    Laying Emphasis on Tool that can Differentiate Between AI Generated and Non AI Generated Content

    The creation of a tool to distinguish AI-generated content from non-AI-generated content is another project the ministry hopes to carry out under the IndiaAI Mission. The EoI emphasised that in order to guarantee traceability and security and stop the creation of harmful and unlawful information, such a platform should contain distinct and undetectable identifiers in AI-generated content. The third initiative entails creating a platform that can assess how resilient AI systems are for high-stress situations like cyberattacks, natural catastrophes, and operational and data failures. Stress testing can guarantee readiness for high-stakes scenarios and offer useful insights into system flaws. According to the EoI, this theme focuses on the creation of instruments and techniques, like simulation-based testing or stress evaluation metrics, that are especially intended to strengthen the resilience of AI systems under pressure.

    Setting Up of Ethical AI Framework

    Furthermore, in order to guarantee that “AI systems respect fundamental human values, uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability, and avoid perpetuating biases or discrimination,” MeitY has urged stakeholders to submit recommendations for “ethical AI frameworks” that provide an organised method. The report also stated that in order to facilitate the widespread use of AI, “it is necessary to create thorough AI Risk Assessment and Management tools and frameworks that are intended to detect, evaluate, and reduce cross-sectoral safety risks, guaranteeing that failures in one area are contained and managed without affecting interconnected sectors.”

    Applications are Invited From All Institutions

    The EoI adds that entrepreneurs, academic institutions in India, research and development groups, commercial businesses, and startups are all welcome to apply for the projects. This comes days after S Krishnan, the IT secretary, allegedly stated that the Ministry was developing a system to assess the reliability and safety of AI technologies. Additionally, he stated at the time that the centre aims to emphasis innovation while avoiding restrictive rules. Earlier this year, Union IT Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia notably reiterated this opinion, stating that ethical considerations and a strong legal framework should govern the adoption of AI. The Indian generative AI (GenAI) ecosystem, which is home to 200 businesses and has raised over $1.2 billion in funding between 2020 and the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

    RBI Panel to Regulate Ethical AI in Financial Services
    RBI establishes a panel to oversee the ethical use of AI in financial services, aiming to ensure responsible innovation and safeguard consumer trust.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • SAMRIDH: MeitY’s Second Round of Startup Accelerators Kicks off to Foster Product Innovation

    On 4 September 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) initiated the second group of students to participate in the SAMRIDH program. MeitY’s S. Krishnan, the Secretary, was the one who initiated the program.

    The Government of India has set a goal of cultivating 300 businesses, and as part of its 100-day agenda, it will choose and provide support to 125 startups through possible accelerators. This will allow them to reach their future goal. A statement released by MeitY said that the interested accelerator may apply for the second cohort of SAMRIDH.

    By the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP)-2019, the ministry has revealed that it is actively trying to promote the expansion of India’s software product industry. According to the ministry, the Indian software product industry, which includes startups, is receiving support from a variety of programs.

    These programs include Centres of Excellence (CoEs), the Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE) program, the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), the Information and Communication Technology Grand Challenges, and Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS), among others.

    Addressing SAMRIDH: Encouraging Software Startups in India

    According to the National Policy on Software Products–2019, SAMRIDH is a flagship program of MeitY that supports the acceleration of startup companies. Launched in August 2021, the SAMRIDH initiative has the objective of providing financial assistance to 300 software product companies, with a total expenditure of INR 99 crore, over four years. With the help of potential and established accelerators throughout India, SAMRIDH is being implemented. These accelerators offer services to startups such as making their goods market-fit, developing a business strategy, connecting them with investors, and expanding their operations internationally. Additionally, MeitY is providing matching capital of up to INR 40 lakh. MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), which is part of Digital India Corporation (DIC), is the organization that is putting the plan into action.

    Commenting on the development, Edul Patel, co-founder and CEO, Mudrex stated, “The government’s continued commitment to nurturing India’s startup ecosystem through initiatives like the SAMRIDH programme is well appreciated. The launch of the second cohort is an exciting development, especially for smaller startups. Having access to top accelerators that provide crucial mentorship, funding, and resources is a game changer for young entrepreneurs. The matching funding of up to INR 40 lakh, combined with guidance on making products market-fit and scaling internationally, provides invaluable support to entrepreneurs who are just starting up. This initiative truly encourages budding entrepreneurs in building tech solutions from India to the world.”

    Multi-Agent Accelerator System for SAMRIDH

    Twenty-two accelerators from 12 different states were chosen to participate in the inaugural cohort of SAMRIDH after open requests for ideas were issued. The list of accelerators includes organizations that receive support from the government, academic institutions, entities from the business sector, and platforms that provide finance for early-stage start-ups. A multi-level screening procedure is then utilized by these accelerators to choose five to ten companies in each of the following categories: health technology, education technology, agriculture technology, consumer technology, financial technology, software as a service (SaaS), and sustainability.

    Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Supporting 3600+ Tech Startups
    The Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) Scheme was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (‘MeitY’) with a budget of INR 264.62 crore, spread out over 5 years.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde