The government is exploring a pilot project to establish a sector-specific AI data trust at IIT Hyderabad. This initiative aims to create a secure repository of high-quality Indian datasets that can be accessed responsibly by startups, researchers, and companies working on artificial intelligence applications. The proposal stems from consultations with industry leaders who recommended situating data trusts within premier Indian educational institutions.
Under this framework, the data trust would govern access through clear usage policies, ensuring data security and responsible use. This approach emphasizes strengthening India’s AI capabilities by providing domestic players with reliable and well-curated data, which remains crucial for building indigenous AI models and technologies.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the potential impact of such initiatives on India’s AI ecosystem. He described data trusts as a way to unlock critical Indian datasets that have traditionally been difficult to access due to privacy and security concerns. The pilot at IIT Hyderabad would serve as a model for future sector-specific data trusts across the country.
Alongside advancing AI infrastructure, Vaishnaw pointed to the rapid expansion of India's electronics manufacturing sector. He noted that production has surpassed Rs 13 lakh crore, with electronics now being the country’s third-largest export category. Mobile phones have emerged as the top individual export product, underscoring India’s growing role as a global hub for technology manufacturing.
Last month, Vaishnaw inaugurated an advanced manufacturing facility by the global company Jabil in Maharashtra, marking India's increasing prominence in producing components critical to AI data centers. This development aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of “Make in India, Make for the World,” positioning India as a trusted global partner in electronics production.