Sarvam AI is making significant strides in India’s artificial intelligence landscape. Established in 2023 by Dr. Vivek Raghavan and Dr. Pratyush Kumar, this startup based in Bengaluru is creating large language models (LLMs) tailored to the country’s linguistic variety.
While global AI leaders like OpenAI and Google DeepMind dominate the industry, Sarvam AI is developing solutions that cater specifically to India’s distinct requirements, emphasizing voice-first applications and the deep integration of Indian languages.
The company is spearheaded by two seasoned professionals who combine expertise in public infrastructure, AI research, and large-scale systems engineering.
Dr. Vivek Raghavan: The Architect Behind Digital India’s Foundation
A key figure in India’s digital transformation, Dr. Raghavan was instrumental in the development of Aadhaar, the largest digital identity initiative globally. He joined the project just before the first Aadhaar was issued and remained involved as it expanded, witnessing the issuance of the billionth Aadhaar.
His knowledge goes beyond identity systems; he has also provided guidance to Bhashini, India’s national AI language platform, and served as Chief Mentor for AI4Bharat, a prominent initiative focused on open-source AI datasets in Indian languages. Dr. Raghavan holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, along with a B.Tech. from IIT Delhi, and is dedicated to leveraging AI to address large-scale, real-world challenges.
Sarvam AI is building large language models (LLMs) specifically designed for Indian languages and their unique applications. The company’s AI platform allows businesses and developers to create and test generative AI solutions, especially voice-first interfaces, which are essential for improving digital access in India.
The vision of Sarvam AI attracted global investors early on. In December 2023, the company raised $41 million in a Series A funding round, led by Lightspeed, with contributions from Peak XV Partners and Khosla Ventures. This funding reinforced Sarvam AI’s status as one of India’s most promising AI startups, showcasing its ability to create AI applications that cater to the diverse linguistic needs of the Indian population.
Dr. Kumar also mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that the startup could translate the recent Lex Fridman podcast featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi into nine Indian languages, including Gujarati, Odia, Tamil, and Telugu, making it more accessible to speakers of these languages and expanding its audience.
Sarvam AI is committed to developing AI that comprehends and communicates in various Indian languages, ensuring that technology serves as a facilitator of accessibility and inclusion rather than a barrier.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
