India set to pitch tech synergy for cementing BRICS

India is set to advocate for enhanced research collaboration and greater cooperation between governments across artificial intelligence, advanced computing, quantum technologies, and semiconductor materials during the upcoming BRICS summit. This push for tech synergy stems from a desire to counter the dominance of AI firms and bolster the global supply of essential semiconductors.

India, currently chairing the 11-nation bloc, aims to finalize three major multilateral projects under its presidency. The Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network (GRAIN) initiative will grant researchers from member states shared access to high-performance computing systems and supercomputers, while a digital portal will enable the sharing of datasets and capabilities focused on advanced materials engineering and nanostructures.

Another priority is connecting chip design and deeptech startups via a proposed Startup Innovation Fund and Incubator Network. India hopes to mirror the success of its domestic platforms, such as the AIkosh centralized digital repository for non-personal datasets and AI models, as well as its common AI compute facility, which currently hosts over 38,000 high-performance graphics processing units.

The two-day summit, marking only the second BRICS gathering to include the newly admitted countries like Malaysia, Nigeria, and Vietnam, will place significant emphasis on strengthening digital payments systems.