Sarvam AI partners with Odisha and Tamil Nadu to build national compute grid

In a pivotal advancement towards achieving digital self-sufficiency, Sarvam AI, an emerging AI startup from India, has formed significant partnerships with the state governments of Odisha and Tamil Nadu. These alliances are geared towards creating a robust 'Sovereign AI' framework that includes extensive computing resources and localized language processing, ensuring that AI benefits are accessible to over a billion citizens in their native languages. As artificial intelligence evolves from a specialized tool to an essential component of public infrastructure, these collaborations signify a transformative approach by Indian states. They are moving away from dependency on global platforms and are instead focusing on developing a comprehensive, self-sustaining AI ecosystem within India. Pratyush Kumar, CEO of Sarvam AI, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the vision behind these partnerships, stating, "The aim of these collaborations is to drive transformation by building large-scale compute capabilities, sovereign models, and the institutional expertise necessary for AI adoption." On February 6, 2026, the Odisha government formalized this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarvam AI to establish a 50MW AI-optimized facility. Known for its rich industrial and mineral resources, Odisha is now setting its sights on becoming a pivotal center for digital intelligence. This new facility will serve two vital purposes: as a State Public Utility, it will utilize Vision AI to improve safety in mining and heavy industries, while also providing Odia-to-English voice tools to enhance job prospects for the youth. Additionally, it aims to anchor a nationwide compute grid, delivering production-grade AI capabilities to other states and national initiatives. Chief Secretary of Odisha, Anu Garg, remarked that this shift from a "mine-driven" economy to a "mind-driven" one aligns with the national goal of achieving a “Viksit Bharat 2047.” In Tamil Nadu, a parallel endeavor is underway with the launch of Digital Sangam, India’s inaugural Sovereign AI Research Park. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Sarvam AI and IIT Madras, will include a 20MW AI-optimized data center, designed as a collaborative environment for research, startup incubation, and advanced computing resources. Among the key projects within Digital Sangam is Vivasāya Nanban, an AI assistant that offers 24/7 digital advisory services to approximately 7.9 million farming families. Another initiative, the Unified Citizen Helpline, will utilize AI to streamline access to welfare programs and public services. Dr. TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries in Tamil Nadu, highlighted the importance of voice-enabled AI applications for rural and tribal communities, stating that such innovations will help citizens easily access vital information regarding entitlements, benefits, and grievance redressal. The overarching theme of these initiatives is the concept of "Sovereign AI," which advocates for keeping a nation’s data and the intelligence it generates within its own borders. By developing AI models tailored to Indian languages and cultural contexts, Sarvam AI and its state partners are ensuring that artificial intelligence resonates with the unique characteristics of the Indian populace. As they noted, "Decisions made today regarding AI infrastructure will determine whether intelligence develops within the country or is siphoned off elsewhere." Through the integration of AI into governmental frameworks, India is striving to create a "Digital Public Infrastructure" (DPI) for AI, which will facilitate the sharing and reuse of intelligence across various public systems, thereby securing the nation's "data dividend" for its citizens.