Develop indigenous AI on Indian servers, PM urges Indian talent, Pg18

Key Highlights:

• PM Narendra Modi urged Indian startups to focus on building indigenous AI solutions developed by Indian talent on Indian servers on National Startup Day.
• He emphasized doubling down on manufacturing and creating global standard products within the country.
• The PM highlighted the IndiaAI Mission, noting that over 38,000 graphics processing units have been onboarded.
• In 2025, approximately 44,000 new startups were registered, the highest in the scheme's 10-year history.
• Over 45% of recognized startups have at least one woman director or partner.
• Around 35,000 startups are onboarded on GeM, receiving over 5 lakh orders worth over Rs 50,000 crore.

Detailed Insights:

• The Startup India scheme, marking its 10th anniversary, has transformed India into the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, growing from less than 500 startups to over 2 lakh.
• The focus on AI is driven by its potential to enhance India's economic security and strategic autonomy, with the IndiaAI mission aiming to provide technological resources to startups.
• The government has fostered an ecosystem encouraging innovation through initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, hackathons, and by easing compliances via the Jan Vishwas Act, which decriminalized over 180 provisions.
• Opening up sectors like defence (through iDEX), space, and drones to startups, along with increased market access via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), has provided new opportunities.
• The startup revolution has reached Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with youth addressing local challenges, and women playing a significant role, making India the second-biggest ecosystem for women-led startups.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Startup India: A government initiative to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by creating a supportive ecosystem for startups.
• Indigenous AI: Artificial Intelligence solutions developed within a country using local talent and resources.
• Jan Vishwas Act: Legislation aimed at decriminalizing minor offenses to promote ease of doing business and reduce compliance burdens.