Nvidia is intensifying its outreach to India's burgeoning artificial intelligence sector by forming partnerships aimed at engaging startups early in their development. This initiative aligns with the company's strategy to establish connections with future clients in a rapidly growing market for AI technology. Specifically, Nvidia has teamed up with Activate, an early-stage venture capital firm, to support approximately 25 to 30 AI startups from its inaugural $75 million fund, providing them with preferential access to Nvidia's technical resources.
This collaboration is part of a broader approach that includes working with AI Grants India and other venture capital firms focused on the Indian market. As India hosts the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, which features major players like OpenAI and Google, Nvidia's Chief Executive Jensen Huang was expected to participate but did not attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, a senior delegation led by executive vice president Jay Puri represented the company, engaging with local AI researchers and startups.
Aakrit Vaish, founder of Activate, noted that Nvidia's previous involvement with Indian startups was less direct compared to its efforts in the U.S. However, the chipmaker is now prioritizing early-stage collaborations with founders. This shift is seen as a strategic move to ensure Nvidia can meet the increasing demand from new AI-native companies as they develop and scale.