India needs to develop its own foundational AI models to compete globally: Perplexity CEO

India must develop its personal foundational AI models, not simply to refine native languages, but additionally to construct the abilities wanted to compete on world benchmarks, stated Aravind Srinivas, CEO of US-based synthetic intelligence startup Perplexity, on Thursday.“That’s the solely method to make it possible for now we have the muscle to coach these fashions ourselves with the infrastructure and the expertise. The subsequent technology of engineers ought to have one thing to encourage by,” Srinivas stated throughout a dialog with Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CEO of fintech agency Paytm. The 2 corporations introduced a partnership to combine Perplexity’s real-time AI-driven search capabilities into the Paytm app.

With this integration, Paytm customers will have the ability to ask on a regular basis questions, discover subjects of their most well-liked language, and make extra knowledgeable monetary selections to the Perplexity AI engine.

“AI is remodeling the way in which folks entry info and make selections. With Perplexity, we’re bringing the ability of AI to hundreds of thousands of Indian shoppers, making data and monetary providers extra seamless and accessible,” stated Sharma.

Srinivas stated Perplexity is exploring methods to broaden related AI integrations globally however stays targeted on fixing issues distinctive to India.

“Now we have a buying function on Perplexity. We’re determining a means for paying by way of Paytm app…It could be attention-grabbing to take that to different cost apps in the remainder of the world,” he stated.

On making Perplexity’s providers extra inexpensive in India, Srinivas stated the corporate is engaged on localisation efforts and new pricing fashions within the nation. The platform’s professional plan at present prices $20 monthly.”We’re determining a method to make the professional plan (of Perplexity) broadly accessible to all people with out having to pay $20 equal,” he stated.

He added that Perplexity at present operates with American cost gateway Stripe, making it troublesome to simply accept funds by way of Paytm and UPI at this stage. Nevertheless, he hopes to discover a resolution quickly. Sharma added that finally by way of the partnership Paytm would take a look at fixing such issues for Indian customers on Perplexity.

“The purpose of working along with Vijay and Paytm is that it’s just the start and there are lots of extra issues to come back — localisation, customisation for not simply the languages but additionally just like the infrastructure and all of the use instances that uniquely exist,” he stated.

Srinivas has been vocal about his optimism for the Indian market. Not too long ago, he introduced plans to broaden Perplexity’s presence within the nation, posting on LinkedIn about hiring an government for India.

On January 23, he additionally acknowledged on microblogging platform X that he’s keen to take a position $1 million and dedicate 5 hours per week to help a group coaching foundational AI fashions in India.