Tech
IT Ministry Announces Establishment of National AI Fund
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications has announced plans to establish the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fund aimed at enhancing high-tech initiatives in AI and related technologies nationwide.
This fund is evolving from the Ignite Technology Fund, with a specific emphasis on advancing AI projects.
According to documents from the IT Ministry, the Ignite Technology Fund presently provides broad support for Research and Development (R&D) endeavors, entrepreneurship, and skill development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
However, there is a noticeable absence of dedicated provisions for high-tech sectors, particularly AI and its allied technologies. In response, the Ministry is taking steps to create a specialized fund tailored to advance Artificial Intelligence.
Additionally, the IT Ministry intends to establish Centers of Excellence in AI (CoEAI) in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, along with Auxiliary AI Centers in Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gilgit.
These centers are envisioned to offer essential support by providing access to high-tech computer infrastructure, laboratories, testbeds, and other resources.
They will act as hubs for nurturing AI talent, supporting entrepreneurs and startups engaged in AI-led products and solutions, and leading nationwide civic and social initiatives utilizing AI.
While recognizing the existing role of National Centers for AI in applied R&D at leading academic institutions in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, the government has identified a gap in regional and central hubs for AI and allied technologies.
These hubs are envisioned to offer comprehensive opportunities for skill development, applied R&D, computational resources, test beds, and regulatory sandboxes in AI.
Furthermore, the government aims to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign on AI and allied technologies at the national level, targeting 90 percent of the population with internet access.
