India is focused on developing its own AI models, says Prasada
The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has inaugurated an incubation facility at Salt Lake, Kolkata, to foster innovation-led entrepreneurship and boost IT exports.
The inauguration of the new STPI incubation facility in Kolkata is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing startups and promoting inclusive growth across regions, said Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics and Information Technology.
This initiative aims to also strengthen the IT/ITeS/ESDM industry in West Bengal, he added http://meity.gov.in.
STPI has been instrumental in creating a robust tech ecosystem by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, incubation support, and a platform for budding entrepreneurs to thrive, he said at the inauguration on 20 Feb.
Prasada underlined, “India is on a transformative journey to become the global hub of technology and innovation. As we stride forward in the era of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven innovation, India is focused on developing its own AI models and GPUs, ensuring equitable access for researchers, students and startups.
“With vast data resources and the government’s commitment to expanding technology access beyond metropolitan cities, we are bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Together, let us build a future where India leads the world in technology and empowers every citizen in the journey towards a digitally advanced nation http://samsara.com.”
STPI Director General Arvind Kumar elaborated the significance of the newly inaugurated facility, stating, “This incubation centre will provide world-class infrastructure, mentorship, and market access for startups, enabling them to drive innovation in frontier technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, and FinTech https://www.fintechfestival.sg/.
“With Kolkata’s rich intellectual and creative legacy, the city has immense potential to become a hub for emerging technologies. The Indian government is taking decisive steps to strengthen AI capabilities and enhance computing infrastructure to position India as a leader in the global technology landscape.”
As part of its larger mission, STPI operates 67 centres across India, with 59 located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, ensuring inclusive growth and fostering entrepreneurship beyond metro hubs.
The organization has also established 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) focused on HealthTech, MedTech, Blockchain, IoT, and Agritech, among others. Unlike traditional centers of excellence, these CoEs prioritize entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, helping startups scale their innovations for global markets.
“STPI is committed to providing 360-degree support—including mentorship, infrastructure, market access and global networking opportunities,” he underscored.
Key Highlights of the STPI Incubation Facility in Kolkata
Expansive Infrastructure: Spanning 200,000 sq. ft., the facility offers plug-and-play office spaces and 75,000 sq. ft. of raw incubation space.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Equipped with high-speed data communication and state-of-the-art facilities to support IT/ITeS startups and SMEs.
Incubation & Mentorship: Startups will receive comprehensive support, including mentorship, industry collaboration, and global networking opportunities.
Employment Generation: The initiative is expected to create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region.
Since its inception in 1991, STPI has played a pivotal role in supporting India’s IT/ITeS industry by providing single-window services, high-speed data communication infrastructure, and incubation facilities for startups and young entrepreneurs.
With a strong commitment to fostering India’s startup ecosystem, STPI has established 67 centers across the country, including those in Kolkata, Kharagpur, Siliguri, Haldia, and Durgapur.
In addition, STPI has launched 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) focusing on HealthTech, MedTech, Blockchain, IoT, and Agritech, among others. Through its Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) and other startup initiatives, STPI has already supported over 1,300 startups, providing them with end-to-end assistance, including mentorship, industry collaboration, and global market access.
Starting with few centres, STPI has grown all over the country with 67 centres including Kolkata, Kharagpur, Siliguri, Haldia, and Durgapur in West Bengal. The inauguration of this new incubation facility in Kolkata is a significant step in advancing the Digital India vision and aligns with the government’s mission of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive technological growth across the country. Fiinews.com
