Bengaluru Sarvam AI launches Indus chat app to compete with ChatGPT and Gemini in India

India's Sarvam AI has launched its Indus chat app, a new competitor to global AI leaders like ChatGPT and Gemini. The app is now available on app stores.
By Newsroom | Technology, Artificial Intelligence |

India's artificial intelligence landscape has seen a significant new development with the recent launch of the Indus AI chat app by Sarvam AI, a Bengaluru-based startup. This move signals a direct challenge to established global AI players like OpenAI and Google, entering a market that is experiencing rapid growth in generative AI adoption. The app’s introduction is expected to intensify the competition within India's AI chatbot sector, as Sarvam AI aims to provide a product tailored for the Indian context.

Launch and Market Context

The Indus AI app was unveiled following Sarvam AI's announcement of its new foundational models, a 105 billion parameter (105B) and a smaller 30 billion parameter (30B) version. These models were introduced earlier this week at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The launch coincides with India emerging as a key market for generative AI tools, making the entry of a domestic competitor particularly noteworthy.

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Sarvam launches Indus AI chat app, taking on global giants - 1

  • The app is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

  • Sarvam AI has stated that users might encounter waitlists as they gradually increase their computing capacity.

  • The company is actively seeking user feedback to refine the application.

Sarvam AI's Strategic Focus

Sarvam AI has emphasized a deliberate approach to developing AI for India. The company’s initial steps involved building foundational models from scratch within India.

"The company said it is currently focussing on accuracy, usefulness, efficiency, and alignment for the Indian context before training bigger foundational models."

This focus suggests an intention to create AI capabilities that are sensitive to India's diverse linguistic and cultural nuances.

Sarvam launches Indus AI chat app, taking on global giants - 2

Key Features and Capabilities of Indus AI

While the specific AI architecture powering the Indus app has not been explicitly detailed by Sarvam AI, its features indicate a competitive offering:

  • Writing and Editing Tools: The app allows users to write and edit content directly within its interface.

  • Web Search and Question Answering: Similar to other AI chatbots, Indus can access the web to answer questions across various subjects.

  • Multilingual Support: The app is built with India’s linguistic diversity in mind.

  • Voice Commands: This feature is included, enhancing user interaction.

  • Document Analysis: Users can upload files, such as images and PDFs, for AI-powered analysis and question answering.

  • Task Automation Assistants: The app includes tools designed to help with task automation.

Competitive Landscape

The launch of Indus AI positions Sarvam AI alongside global giants such as OpenAI (ChatGPT) and Google (Gemini), which have already established a presence in the Indian market. The Indian government's support, through the IndiaAI Mission, further underscores the national interest in fostering indigenous AI development.

Sarvam launches Indus AI chat app, taking on global giants - 3

"Meanwhile, the Indian government said Sarvam AI stands out as one of the 12 organisations selected under the Innovation Centre pillar of the IndiaAI Mission to develop indigenous foundational models, with financial and compute support amounting to ₹246.72 crore."

This government backing provides Sarvam AI with significant resources and recognition.

User Access and Expansion

Currently, access to the Indus AI app is being managed through a gradual rollout, which may involve waitlists for some users. Sarvam AI plans to expand access as its computing capacity grows. Users can access the app through official app stores or its website.

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Sarvam launches Indus AI chat app, taking on global giants - 4

Expert Analysis

The emergence of Indus AI highlights a broader trend of increased investment and innovation in India's AI sector. The startup's focus on developing models specifically for the Indian context is a critical differentiator. The competition between domestic players and global AI leaders is likely to drive further advancements and potentially lead to more localized AI solutions. The phased rollout and emphasis on user feedback suggest a strategic approach to scaling and improvement.

Conclusion and Implications

Sarvam AI's launch of the Indus AI chat app represents a significant step in India's ambition to become a leader in artificial intelligence. By challenging established global players with a product tailored for local needs, Sarvam AI is contributing to a more diverse and competitive AI ecosystem in the country. The company's focus on foundational model development within India, coupled with government support, positions it as a key player to watch. The eventual user experience, particularly regarding performance and the management of waitlists, will be crucial for its sustained growth and market impact.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Indus AI chat app and who launched it?
The Indus AI chat app is a new artificial intelligence application launched by Sarvam AI, a startup based in Bengaluru, India. It aims to compete with global AI players like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Q: When and where was the Indus AI app launched?
The Indus AI chat app was launched recently and is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Sarvam AI also introduced its new foundational models at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Q: What are the main features of the Indus AI chat app?
Indus AI offers features like writing and editing tools, web search for question answering, multilingual support, voice commands, document analysis (PDFs, images), and task automation assistants.
Q: How can people access the Indus AI chat app?
Users can download the Indus AI app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Some users might experience waitlists as Sarvam AI gradually increases its computing capacity.
Q: Why is Sarvam AI launching a new AI app in India?
Sarvam AI is focusing on developing AI specifically for the Indian context, considering its linguistic and cultural diversity. They have built foundational models from scratch within India and are seeking user feedback to improve the app.
Q: What is the competitive landscape for the Indus AI app in India?
Indus AI competes directly with global AI giants like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. The Indian government is also supporting local AI development through initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission.