NITI Frontier Tech Hub Organizes a Workshop for States on Accelerating AI Datacentre Investments
In an effort to build a future where India’s digital ambitions outpace its compute capabilities, the NITI Aayog Frontier Tech Hub (NAFTHUB) conducted a high-level workshop on May 8, 2025. This event aimed to accelerate investments in AI datacentres across states, ensuring India becomes a global leader in the evolving AI-powered intelligence economy.
Engaging the Reader: Why State Participation Matters
As one of the world’s most significant economic players, India’s digital ambitions have always been crucial. However, this trend is far from complete—datacentre capacity remains a critical bottleneck. With rapidly growing industries like healthcare and finance, demand for compute-intensive solutions has surged, requiring reliable, scalable, and sustainable AI infrastructure.
The workshop highlighted the need for states to shift their approach from land-based models to more innovative, energy-efficient systems. By embracing clean energy, high-performance computing, and well-thought-out policies, states can position themselves as leaders in the global AI ecosystem.
Key Discussions on Datacentre Readiness
During the event, experts discussed six pillars essential for AI datacentre readiness:
- Land: Access to land is no longer a barrier but a necessity. States must prioritize land acquisition alongside development.
- Power: High-performance computing requires robust power grids and efficient energy management.
- Network: Reliable network infrastructure ensures data can flow seamlessly, supporting the growth of AI applications.
- Compute: Scalable compute resources will be crucial for handling increasing demands.
- Talent: Proficient talent is essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.
- Enablement Policies: States must adopt policies that support innovation, research, and development.
Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam’s Speech: The Message of Equality
In a speech titled “The Global Promise,” Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NAFTHUB, emphasized the need for states to think beyond land acquisition:
- “India has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become a global AI datacentre hub. With our clean energy leadership, unmatched tech talent, and strong policy momentum, we are well-positioned to deliver the world’s greenest and most cost-effective AI compute.””
This speech resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the competition for AI investments while calling for states to move beyond localised solutions.
The Strategic Report: Accelerating Investments
A strategic report titled “Accelerating AI Infrastructure Investments in India” was launched during the workshop. It provided a roadmap to unlock national-scale AI infrastructure investments:
- Focus on developing energy-efficient datacentres.
- Foster global partnerships, such as with Deloitte, and Delhiser’s knowledge partner status.
- Emphasize datacentre readiness across states to ensure they are competitive globally.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for India
The workshop underscored the importance of state participation in accelerating AI investments. By adopting a paradigm shift that aligns with global trends, states can become global leaders. The strategic roadmap outlined by NAFTHUB serves as a guide to achieve this vision.
In conclusion, this workshop not only highlighted the importance of state involvement but also set clear goals for future AI infrastructure investments. It reinforced the need for innovation, policy support, and global collaboration in driving India’s digital future.