People often ask “how do I apply to IndiaAI?” — expecting one form. In reality the IndiaAI Mission is an umbrella of programmes, each engaged with differently. Here’s the practical map. (dgm implements osFoundry, a separate company’s platform — dgm is an independent integration partner, not osFoundry, and not an application service. General information, not professional advice.)
There’s no single “apply” button
IndiaAI bundles several distinct programmes. You engage with the right one for what you need:
| Programme | What it gives | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidised compute | Discounted GPU rental | IndiaAI Compute Portal |
| AIKosh | Datasets, models, sandbox | aikosh.indiaai.gov.in |
| Innovation Challenge | PoC → deployment funding | Apply when open |
| Startup financing | Capital (indirect) | Via Startup India / FoF |
Subsidised compute (the most accessible benefit)
Via the IndiaAI Compute Portal, eligible users — startups, MSMEs, researchers, academia, government — rent subsidised GPU capacity at rates well below typical market prices. It’s a rental subsidy, not free cash, so it’s most valuable if you’re actually training or running models. Confirm current rates and eligibility on the portal; they change.
The Innovation Challenge
A competition-based route: teams build AI solutions to government problem statements. Shortlisted teams get funding to refine a PoC, and selected solutions can win a longer deployment contract. It targets startups, researchers and MSMEs solving public-sector problems — not general business adoption.
The honest boundary
If you’re an established business adopting AI, IndiaAI mostly isn’t your route (except possibly compute if you build models). See who qualifies. Plan to pay for adoption and focus on value and data control.
Where dgm fits
dgm doesn’t apply to IndiaAI for clients — you engage its portals directly. We’re an integration partner: once you’re building or adopting AI, we implement it on osFoundry — for a transparent $399 assessment and $3,999/month (INR approximate; 18% GST domestic).
General information, not professional advice. Confirm current programmes, rates and eligibility on indiaai.gov.in.