- LE News Desk

The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched the VYOMA Innovation Challenge to encourage the development of multilingual and voice-based artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.

The initiative is being conducted in partnership with Current AI and Kalpa Impact. Its goal is to improve language accessibility, digital inclusion and technology access for people across India.

The challenge is based on Sunno Sutra, a handheld AI device developed jointly by BHASHINI and Current AI. The device can provide AI-powered voice services in different Indian languages and can work even without internet connectivity or cloud support.

Amitabh Nag, CEO of the Digital India BHASHINI Division, said multilingual AI can help people access services in their own languages and make technology more inclusive. He added that BHASHINI is working to strengthen India's language AI ecosystem, especially in areas with limited internet access.

The VYOMA Innovation Challenge is open to startups, researchers, students, academic institutions, MSMEs, industry partners and independent innovators. Participants will be encouraged to create new applications, improve hardware, optimise AI models and develop practical solutions for the Sunno Sutra platform.

The technology can be used in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, governance and public services, helping more people benefit from AI in their preferred languages.

The challenge will be held in several stages. After the application process, 20 selected teams will receive developer kits and access to the Sunno Sutra platform to build and test their ideas. They will also receive guidance and mentorship from experts.

Finalists will present their projects before a panel of experts. Winning teams can receive prizes worth up to ₹80 lakh and may also get opportunities to work with central and state government departments.

According to the ministry, the initiative aims to bring together startups, researchers, engineers and academic institutions to speed up the development of multilingual AI technologies that can benefit citizens across India.

Source: https://ddnews.gov.in/