Microsoft Teams Up with Indian Startup Sarvam AI to Boost Indic Languages on Azure

Microsoft has collaborated with Indian generative AI startup Sarvam AI, aiming to integrate its Indic voice large language model (LLM) into Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. During CEO Satya Nadella’s recent visit to India, Microsoft announced its support for Sarvam AI. 

In December, Sarvam AI, focusing on Indic languages and contexts, secured $41 million in Series A funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Peak XV Partners, and Khosla Ventures. Co-founded by Pratyush Kumar and Vivek Raghavan, who previously contributed to AI models at the IIT Madras-based research group AI4Bharat, the startup aims to streamline the development and deployment of generative AI applications in India, ensuring accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

Initially launching its Indic voice LLM in Hindi, Sarvam AI is dedicated to expanding its coverage to encompass more Indian languages while maintaining support for everyday language usage. 

With a vision to enhance AI accessibility across diverse Indian languages and sectors, Pratyush Kumar, Co-founder of Sarvam AI, emphasized the importance of their partnership with Microsoft, stating that it embodies the startup’s vision of ‘Sarvam,’ meaning ‘all.’

Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, reiterated Microsoft’s dedication to democratizing AI and fostering India’s transition into an AI-centric nation. He emphasized the significance of their collaboration with Sarvam AI, supporting indigenous innovation and paving the way for a future where voice-driven AI solutions benefit individuals across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. 

Chandok highlighted the joint effort’s role in advancing India’s individuals, communities, and organizations toward greater accomplishments.

The integration of Sarvam AI’s LLM into Azure supports Microsoft’s objective of expanding accessibility to AI tools for Indian developers. Leveraging Azure’s machine learning capabilities and the Azure OpenAI service, Sarvam AI aims to enhance the training of its LLMs. With this collaboration, Microsoft aims to venture into India’s AI ecosystem and facilitate the creation of innovative AI applications and tools by local developers.

According to projections by research firm GlobalData, the global AI market is anticipated to reach a value of approximately $909 billion by the year 2030. Generative AI, forecasted as the fastest-growing segment within the AI technology landscape, holds significant potential for industry disruption. It is expected to revolutionize various sectors, making it imperative for companies to adopt AI-driven strategies by 2025 to stay competitive in the evolving business landscape.

Microsoft, a leading global technology company listed on the Nasdaq as MSFT, is dedicated to facilitating digital transformation through its intelligent cloud and edge computing solutions. Established in India in 1990, Microsoft boasts over 23,000 employees across ten cities, engaging in various functions such as sales, research, development, and customer support. The company offers its cloud services from local data centers, catering to the digital transformation needs of Indian startups, businesses, and government entities.

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