Karnataka is exploring whether it can subsidise access to graphics processing units (GPUs) for startups through its upcoming artificial intelligence hub at IIIT Bangalore. Karnataka IT and BT Secretary N. Manjula raised the possibility at a panel on how the state can support women in tech and entrepreneurship, after a founder building industrial smart cameras asked about cheaper computing power.

GPUs speed up AI model training and testing, and rental costs can limit how often early-stage startups experiment and refine their models.

When asked whether Karnataka could offer support on top of the Centre’s IndiaAI Mission, Manjula told YourStory after the panel, "We are open to looking at it.”

The central programme gives eligible startups access to subsidised cloud computing. Manjula gave no details on the budget, eligibility criteria, or the timeline for state support.

IIIT Bangalore Director Debabrata Das said hardware costs, particularly for memory, had risen fourfold over the past year, with GPU prices seeing the next-biggest increase. He said the AI hub was looking at giving startups access to computing resources to test ideas and develop proofs of concept.

The Karnataka Cabinet approved the AI hub in September at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore. The hub will offer AI training and startup support, and its planned AI Living Lab will provide computing infrastructure and a place to test applications. Das said more details were expected at the Bengaluru Tech Summit, which will be held from November 17 to 19.

The panel provided women founders an opportunity to raise challenges they encounter at different stages of building and scaling their businesses.

Source link