In the competitive world of Artificial Intelligence, a new name is making headlines. Sarvam AI, a Bengaluru-based startup, is challenging the dominance of tech giants like Google and OpenAI. At the helm of this ambitious venture is Pratyush Kumar, a visionary leader who is redefining India’s role in the global AI landscape.
The Architect of India’s Sovereign AI
Pratyush Kumar, the CEO and co-founder of Sarvam AI, is not just another tech executive. With a PhD from ETH Zurich and a BTech from IIT Bombay, his academic pedigree is as impressive as his professional journey.
Before joining Sarvam AI, Kumar worked at Microsoft Research and IBM Research, and he is also an adjunct faculty member at IIT Madras. His profound expertise in AI and passion for its potential in India led him to co-found Sarvam AI in 2023, alongside Vivek Raghavan.
Challenging the Giants: Sarvam AI vs. Google and ChatGPT
What sets Sarvam AI apart is its focus on “sovereign AI,” foundational models built entirely in India, tailored to the country’s unique needs. While global models often struggle with the nuances of Indian languages and dialects, Sarvam AI’s tools are designed to excel in this very area.
One of their standout products, Sarvam Vision, an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool, has outperformed models such as Gemini 3 Pro and ChatGPT on accuracy benchmarks. It achieves 84.3% accuracy on the olmOCR-Bench, demonstrating its ability to read and understand complex Indian documents.
Bulbul V3
Another breakthrough is Bulbul V3, a text-to-speech engine that supports multiple Indian languages. It provides natural-sounding voices at a fraction of the cost of global competitors such as ElevenLabs, making advanced AI more accessible to Indian businesses and public services.
A Vision for the Future
Kumar’s vision for Sarvam AI goes beyond just competing with global players. He aims to democratize AI in India, making it accessible for everyone, from large enterprises to farmers in rural communities. By focusing on voice-first models and efficient, “right-sized” technology, Sarvam AI is paving the way for a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into India’s digital public infrastructure.
The startup’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. With over $41 million in funding from prominent venture capitalists and a mandate from the Indian government to develop the country’s first indigenous foundational model, Sarvam AI is well-positioned to lead India’s AI revolution.
Conclusion
Pratyush Kumar and Sarvam AI are more than just a success story; they are a testament to India’s growing prowess in the AI sector. By prioritising local needs and cultural nuances, they are not only giving global giants a run for their money but also shaping a future where AI is truly by India, for India, and for the world.
