Government Schemes · MSMEs
15 resources — 3 curated specifically for MSMEs. Official sources only.
DPIIT, Startup India, and MSME-oriented schemes with clearer eligibility or operational relevance.
MSME AI Adoption Subsidy — Digital India
Government subsidy for MSMEs adopting certified AI tools for operations, accounting, and supply chain. Apply through the Udyam portal.
Free AI training and tool credits for registered MSMEs. Covers chatbots, inventory AI, and accounting automation with vendor tie-ups.
SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank) supports AI-powered fintech lenders reaching underserved MSMEs. If you're building AI for MSME credit scoring, supply chain finance, or rural lending, SIDBI's refinancing window (up to ₹500 crore) is the key funding mechanism. Apply through registered NBFCs.
IndiaAI Mission — All Pillars & Programmes
India's ₹10,372 crore national AI mission with 7 pillars: AI Compute, Datasets Platform, Application Development, FutureSkills, Research, Startups, and Responsible AI. The master portal for all India AI initiatives.
Ministry of Electronics & IT houses all of India's AI policy work: IndiaAI, Bhashini, Digital India, DPDP Act, and AI governance frameworks. Start here for authoritative AI policy information.
India's landmark data protection law — covers consent, data fiduciary obligations, and AI system compliance. Any Indian organisation using AI to process personal data must understand DPDP. Official guidance from MeitY.
Smart India Hackathon — Annual AI Competition
India's largest national hackathon with 1 lakh+ students. Prizes up to ₹1 lakh. 2024 had 50+ AI problem statements from government ministries. Winners get direct project opportunities. Registration opens annually.
NASSCOM's national AI upskilling platform with 10,000+ courses, 200+ certifications, and industry-recognised credentials. Government-subsidised for Indian learners. Free access for registered users.
IndiaAI Datasets Platform
Curated repository of sovereign Indian datasets for AI research — agriculture, healthcare, language, governance, and satellite imagery. Free access for researchers, startups, and students. IRB-cleared datasets available.
Digital India — Flagship Programmes
Digital India umbrella covers all government digitisation: PM Wani, DigiLocker, UMANG, BharatNet, and IndiaStack. AI initiatives sit within this framework. Essential context for anyone building or working in GovTech.
DPIIT's Startup India programme: 80-IAC tax exemption, Seed Fund Scheme (₹20 lakh–₹50 lakh), and fast-track IP filing. 120,000+ recognised startups including 3,000+ in deep tech/AI. Apply via Startup India portal.
NITI Aayog published India's first National AI Strategy (#AIForAll) in 2018, followed by sector-specific papers on healthcare, agriculture, and education AI. Required reading for anyone working on India AI policy.
IndiaAI Mission offers subsidised GPU compute to Indian AI startups and researchers. 10,000+ GPUs available through empanelled cloud providers. Applications reviewed quarterly. Submit via IndiaAI portal.
India's ₹4,500 crore National Supercomputing Mission provides HPC access to 75+ research institutions. Includes Param Shakti, Param Siddhi (top 500 globally), and Param Ananta. Free for approved academic research.
Press Information Bureau is the official channel for government AI announcements: new schemes, policy changes, budget allocations, and ministerial statements on AI. Subscribe to PIB feeds for real-time updates.