Microsoft Partners with Sarvam AI to Support Voice-based Generative AI Applications

Microsoft has announced a collaboration with Indian startup Sarvam AI to facilitate the development of voice-based generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The partnership aims to support the creation of genAI models specifically targeting Indic languages and context, offering a significant boost to AI systems' linguistic capabilities.

Analytics India Mag reported that while the financial details of the agreement were not immediately disclosed, Sarvam AI has already garnered funding from prominent investors such as Lightspeed Venture Partners, Peak XV Partners, and Khosla Ventures.

Sarvam AI's Indic voice LLMs (Large Language Models) will be available on Microsoft's cloud platform, Azure, enhancing accessibility and scalability for users. This collaboration aligns with the vision of Microsoft's Chief, Satya Nadella, who expressed excitement during a recent visit to Bengaluru, India.

Nadella highlighted the tremendous potential of Sarvam AI's LLM, trained in all Indic languages, and praised the innovative demo presented by the founders.

Reuters noted that this collaboration not only serves as a testament to Microsoft's dedication to supporting innovative startups but also reinforces its CEO's commitment to empowering AI-driven solutions in India.

Sarvam AI's Pioneering Contribution to Language Models

Sarvam AI recently made headlines with the release of OpenHathi-Hi-v0.1, the first Hindi LLM in the OpenHathi series. Developed on a budget-friendly platform, this model, an extension of Llama2-7B, achieves GPT-3.5-like performance for Indic languages.

Sarvam AI's objective extends beyond building open-source Indic LLMs; the startup aims to develop a comprehensive platform and assist in creating AI-powered applications that can be effectively deployed at a population scale.

The Bangalore-based startup Sarvam AI has also achieved significant success in fundraising. In a recent Series A funding round, the company raised an impressive USD 41 million. Lightspeed Venture Partners led the investment, with support from Peak XV Partners and Khosla Ventures. This substantial funding will undoubtedly facilitate the realization of Sarvam AI's vision and strengthen its position as a pioneering force in the AI industry.

Empowering Indic Language Support with Azure

Sarvam AI's collaboration with Azure marks a significant milestone for Indic language support. As India's first provider of LLMs in Azure, Sarvam AI leverages the power of Azure's AI cloud infrastructure to deliver efficient training, hosting, and scaling capabilities. This partnership reinforces Microsoft's commitment to fostering AI-driven growth and innovation while simultaneously addressing the unique linguistic requirements of the Indian market.

Photo: Matthew Manuel/Unsplash