The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has partnered with Microsoft and iCreate to unveil the iMPEL-AI program, aimed at turbocharging the Indian artificial intelligence (AI) startup ecosystem. This strategic alliance is set to revolutionize the way AI innovations are cultivated in India, enabling solutions that cater not only to local needs but also to global demands.
“This partnership will not only be durable but also shape the future of what India and Microsoft aim to achieve with IndiaAI. The Indian innovation ecosystem has reached an inflection point – there has never been a more exciting time than now because growth so far is just the tip of the iceberg. The Next Wave of startups will come from emerging technologies like AI, semiconductors, and HPC, shaping the future of tech. Our government is committed to shaping, nurturing, and catalyzing the future of Safe & Trusted AI,” said Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar,
The iMPEL-AI program will screen 1,100 AI innovators across India to become AI Most Valuable Players (MVPs) and focus on priority themes of healthcare, financial inclusion, sustainability, education, agriculture, and smart cities. In the second stage, the program will select and scale 100 startups across India to build with Azure OpenAI, and the top 25 will receive go-to-market support from Microsoft’s Global Network to develop advanced, globally competitive products.
Microsoft and iCreate will also provide AI skilling opportunities to 11,000 innovators, startups, and young Indians from across the country through Microsoft’s Learning Management System. On completion, participants will receive globally recognized certifications from Microsoft, providing a significant boost to their employability and career progression.
Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships, Microsoft, said, “India is uniquely positioned to seize the extraordinary AI opportunity. To support this, we need to empower the next generation of innovators to harness AI to solve complex problems and scale positive impact. That’s why we are excited to launch the iMPEL-AI innovation program, which will nurture a dynamic AI ecosystem in India and enable AI innovators and entrepreneurs to help bridge the nation’s AI skill gap and create new possibilities across the country.”
