Is Gujarat Leading the Way in AI Research with a New PPP Initiative?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat is the first state in India to set up IAIRO through a PPP model.
- The initiative has a budget of Rs 300 crore for the first five years.
- Collaboration involves the Government of Gujarat and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance.
- IAIRO aims to drive AI research and innovation.
- It will operate on a hybrid compute model for enhanced performance.
Gandhinagar, Dec 30 (NationPress) In a significant step towards enhancing India's artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, Gujarat is set to launch the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) on January 1, 2026, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has provided initial approval for this venture, marking Gujarat as the inaugural state in India to create such an entity via a PPP model.
In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, this initiative is designed to enhance AI research and development while expediting the nation’s advancements in emerging technologies. The IAIRO will be formed through a collaborative effort involving the Government of Gujarat, the Government of India, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
This organisation will be structured as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) located at GIFT City and will be registered as a non-profit entity under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. An estimated budget of approximately Rs 300 crore has been allocated for the initial five years, with each party contributing 33.33%.
The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance is participating as the primary private partner, committing Rs 25 crore for the financial year 2025-26. This alliance consists of nearly 23 leading pharmaceutical companies. The IAIRO initiative aligns with the IndiaAI Mission set forth by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, as well as Gujarat’s AI Action Plan under the State Science and Technology Department.
To further propel the application of AI for sustainable progress and enhancement of living standards, the state government has also established an AI Task Force under the Chief Minister's direction.
Envisioned as a multidisciplinary hub, IAIRO will prioritize advanced AI research and development, the creation of AI-based products and solutions, and collaboration among academia, industry, startups, and government. Its mandate includes intellectual property creation, capacity development, and policy-focused research.
The organisation will function on a hybrid computing model, integrating on-premise GPU infrastructure with national platforms like the IndiaAI Cloud.
Through this initiative, Gujarat aspires to cultivate a skilled, future-ready workforce in AI, enhance India's global stature in artificial intelligence, and solidify the state's role as a forefront hub for innovation and emerging technologies.