Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, alongside India’s top engineering schools, are aiming to launch their very own large language model (LLM) next month. Dubbed “Hanooman” after the Hindu deity, this initiative marks a significant step in India’s bid to compete in the global AI race.
The “BharatGPT” group, comprising Reliance Jio and eight universities, showcased Hanooman at a recent technology conference. Videos demonstrated the model’s ability to converse in eleven local languages, interact with diverse users, and even assist with tasks like writing code.
If successful, Hanooman will be a major leap forward for India’s AI ambitions. Unlike other large language models built by companies like OpenAI, Hanooman focuses on accessibility and affordability. It leverages speech-to-text capabilities and caters to four key areas: healthcare, governance, finance, and education.
This project is unique in its structure, being the first major public-private partnership for AI development in India. Collaborating with Reliance Jio, IIT Bombay, and other academic institutions, BharatGPT aims to create a more inclusive and adaptable model compared to Silicon Valley’s efforts.
Experts like Ganesh Ramakrishnan, chair of IIT Bombay’s computer science department, emphasize the significance of Hanooman’s multilingual and voice-based capabilities. This approach caters to the millions of Indians who face language barriers or literacy challenges.
Furthermore, Reliance Jio plans to utilize Hanooman in its “Jio Brain” platform, offering AI-powered services to its expansive subscriber base. This integration highlights the potential applications of the model beyond academic research.
Moving Towards Relief: Study Shows Physical Activity May Ease Pain for Cancer Survivors. Read More
