NASSCOM and Meta Launch AI Challenge to Foster Innovation in India

In a significant step toward enhancing India’s artificial intelligence capabilities, the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has partnered with Meta to launch the ‘Open-Source Generative AI Grand Challenge.’ This initiative is designed to inspire startups and developers to leverage open-source and generative AI technologies in creating innovative solutions that have a notable socio-economic impact. The challenge aims to foster a collaborative and accessible AI ecosystem, accelerating economic growth and technological innovation. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will extend the necessary technological support to participants, making the challenge even more compelling and robust.

The challenge offers a unique platform for startups and developers to showcase their AI solutions across various sectors such as education, enterprise, and e-governance. With the overarching goal of encouraging the adoption of open-source technologies, this initiative is poised to revolutionize how AI is utilized and perceived in India. Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy (India) at Meta, emphasizes the importance of openly available AI models in democratizing access to AI technology. He notes that such openness contributes to a vibrant AI ecosystem in India, driving both innovation and economic growth at an unprecedented pace.

Focus on Open-Source Technologies

One of the most compelling aspects of the ‘Open-Source Generative AI Grand Challenge’ is its focus on promoting open-source technologies. Open-source tools offer a rich repository of resources that can facilitate collaboration and innovation among developers. By making these tools more accessible, the challenge not only democratizes AI technology but also encourages a culture of openness and sharing that is essential for driving meaningful progress. This kind of environment is crucial for startups that may lack the resources to develop AI solutions from scratch, offering them a level playing field to compete and innovate.

Shivnath Thukral’s remarks on the importance of open-source models highlight the ethical and practical benefits of making advanced technologies accessible to a broader audience. Open-source technologies serve as building blocks for more complex solutions, enabling developers to focus on innovation rather than reinventing the wheel. This approach not only accelerates the pace of development but also ensures that the benefits of AI are more evenly distributed across different socio-economic strata. In essence, the challenge aims to create an inclusive ecosystem where the barriers to entry are significantly lowered, fostering a more equitable technological landscape.

Mentorship and Financial Incentives

A significant aspect of the challenge is the robust support extended to participants, which includes invaluable mentorship from senior industry professionals and attractive financial awards. Winners in each category stand to receive up to Rs 4 lakh, while runners-up can earn up to Rs 1 lakh. This mentorship is not merely a formality but a strategic element designed to refine participants’ projects, giving them the edge needed to succeed in a competitive marketplace. Senior industry experts offer guidance that can help these startups navigate the complexities of developing and deploying AI solutions effectively.

The financial incentives also play a crucial role in encouraging participation and driving innovation. Money awarded can be used for further development, marketing, or scaling the projects, thereby ensuring that innovative ideas do not remain constrained due to lack of resources. Ankit Bose, Head of NASSCOM AI, emphasizes that empowering developers with open-source tools can drive significant socio-economic impact. He highlights the anticipation for creative solutions that can address real-world problems, thereby positioning India as a global leader in AI innovation. This aligns with the broader objective of the challenge: to utilize generative AI to transform industries and address some of India’s most pressing issues.

Driving Socio-Economic Impact

In a notable move to advance India’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has teamed up with Meta to introduce the ‘Open-Source Generative AI Grand Challenge.’ This initiative seeks to motivate startups and developers to employ open-source and generative AI technologies to create innovative solutions with significant socio-economic impacts. The challenge aims to foster a collaborative and accessible AI ecosystem, driving economic growth and technological advancement. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will provide essential technological support to participants, increasing the challenge’s appeal and robustness.

This challenge offers a unique platform for startups and developers to present their AI solutions across various sectors, including education, enterprise, and e-governance. With a key objective of promoting open-source technology adoption, this initiative is set to transform how AI is used and viewed in India. Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy (India) at Meta, highlights the importance of publicly available AI models in democratizing AI access. He believes that such openness fosters a vibrant AI ecosystem in India, spurring innovation and economic growth at an unmatched speed.

Explore more

How Is AI Revolutionizing Payroll in HR Management?

Imagine a scenario where payroll errors cost a multinational corporation millions annually due to manual miscalculations and delayed corrections, shaking employee trust and straining HR resources. This is not a far-fetched situation but a reality many organizations faced before the advent of cutting-edge technology. Payroll, once considered a mundane back-office task, has emerged as a critical pillar of employee satisfaction

AI-Driven B2B Marketing – Review

Setting the Stage for AI in B2B Marketing Imagine a marketing landscape where 80% of repetitive tasks are handled not by teams of professionals, but by intelligent systems that draft content, analyze data, and target buyers with precision, transforming the reality of B2B marketing in 2025. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful force in this space, offering solutions

5 Ways Behavioral Science Boosts B2B Marketing Success

In today’s cutthroat B2B marketing arena, a staggering statistic reveals a harsh truth: over 70% of marketing emails go unopened, buried under an avalanche of digital clutter. Picture a meticulously crafted campaign—polished visuals, compelling data, and airtight logic—vanishing into the void of ignored inboxes and skipped LinkedIn posts. What if the key to breaking through isn’t just sharper tactics, but

Trend Analysis: Private Cloud Resurgence in APAC

In an era where public cloud solutions have long been heralded as the ultimate destination for enterprise IT, a surprising shift is unfolding across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with private cloud infrastructure staging a remarkable comeback. This resurgence challenges the notion that public cloud is the only path forward, as businesses grapple with stringent data sovereignty laws, complex compliance requirements,

iPhone 17 Series Faces Price Hikes Due to US Tariffs

What happens when the sleek, cutting-edge device in your pocket becomes a casualty of global trade wars? As Apple unveils the iPhone 17 series this year, consumers are bracing for a jolt—not just from groundbreaking technology, but from price tags that sting more than ever. Reports suggest that tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese goods are driving costs upward,