From Jio to AI: Ambani’s Masterplan for India’s Tech Future

India's AI race has begun in earnest, and for the first time ever, stakes are greater than they've ever been. It has the Silicon Valley behemoths in the form of Google, Meta, and OpenAI that have held sway over AI innovation for decades. Pitted against them is Reliance – the same Reliance that revolutionized India's digital India with Jio – determined to shake things up yet again. But this time, the catch: Reliance is not competing against big tech; it's partnering with them.

Reliance Intelligence – The New AI behemoth

Mukesh Ambani delivered the blockbuster news in his company's recent AGM – Reliance Intelligence, a new entity whose sole objective is artificial intelligence. With a clear game plan in hand, the company is set to:

• Build gigantic AI data centers in Jamnagar

• Recruit best AI researchers and experts

• Offer AI solutions in healthcare, education, etc.

• Collaborate with world giants such as Google, Meta, and potentially OpenAI

One of the most commonly reported of these was a $100 million partnership with Meta, where Reliance owns 70% and Meta owns 30%. They will collectively retail Meta's open-source Slama models to Indian companies, all hosted under Indian jurisdiction.

Constructing Gigawatt AI Data Centers based on Renewable Energy

Reliance's aspirations don't end at software—it is going all out on infrastructure. Reliance is developing gigawatt-scale AI data centers fueled by green power. It would take almost 678,000 Nvidia chips in a one-gigawatt facility, estimates experts.

Reliance is also working with Google Cloud to establish specialist AI cloud regions in Jamnagar to allow Indian enterprise and government initiatives to host AI workloads domestically.

Coopetition – Learning from Competitors

Reliance's strategy echoes its telecom triumph with Jio. It is not competing with others per se but converging with world technology leaders to create a strong AI ecosystem. Economists call it coopetition—aligning with rivals to expand at a faster rate.

Jio's dominance of the telco market was built on the investments of the likes of Facebook, Google, and Qualcomm, yet still remaining Indian-owned control over the marketplace. Reliance is now looking to mirror the same playbook for AI, with data, infrastructure, and distribution remaining in Indian hands.

AI in Action – Jio Hotstar, Ria, and More

Reliance is already integrating AI into its current platforms:

• Jio Hotstar's Ria virtual voice assistant assists users in discovering shows and allows for voice cloning in native languages.

• JioFrame smart glasses use AI to create superior user experiences.

• GOPC converts any screen to an AI computer through the cloud.

Reliance, with 500 million people using its products, is best positioned to create AI across industries.

Why This Matters

The race for AI is not really about algorithms—its about own the compute, infrastructure, and distribution. The US had Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, and China had Baidu and Alibaba, but India was missing a peer player. Reliance now desires to make India the world's first AI-native digital economy.

Can Reliance Repeat History?

The million-dollar question on everyone's lips is whether Reliance will be successful in emulating its telecommunication success by utilising partnerships without sacrificing control. Will it be India's secret to AI independence—or will it encounter unexpected challenges?

India's Space Programme Boosted – ISRO Sends Vikram 32 Chip

India's space dreams are taking new heights—not with rocket propellants but with chips. ISRO unveiled Vikram 32, a 32-bit processor made and developed in India to drive rockets and satellites, at Semicon India 2025.

Key Points

• Successfully tested on PSLV C60 mission

• More powerful and tougher than Vikram 16

• Developed to operate in hostile space environments like radiation and long-duration missions

This success also marks India's progress in its semiconductor mission. India is headed toward designing and locally manufacturing chips with Tata, Micron, and Foxconn investing.

Fast Startup News

• Boat collaborates with Bengaluru startup Hardware to co-design its first India-made chip, Indust11, which will be produced by Tata Electronics.

• Ola Kitim layoffs: 50 workers let go from the linguistics department in its third restructuring round.

• Urban Company IPO: To raise ₹1,900 crore at a valuation of ₹15,000 crore.

• Boat IPO: Filing confidentially at a valuation of ₹13,000 crore.

• OpenAI Stargate Project: Developing a 1 gigawatt data center in India.

• Aether Energy's Project Redux scooter: Futuristic electric scooter design with adaptive posture, keyless entry, and shape-shifting UI display.

Funding Roundup – Indian Startups Raise $158 Million

Indian startups collectively raised $158 million this week, higher than last week's $113 million.

City Mall – $47 Million Series D

Low-cost groceries and essentials online marketplace for tier 2 and 3 cities.

SECO – $28 Million Series B

A bite-sized Indian-language lesson edtech platform like Netflix.

First Club – $23 Million Series A

Subscription-based paid membership grocery delivery with a focus on quality.

Kuzzle – ₹5 Crore Seed Round

Consumer electronics firm that produces power and charging solutions such as mini router UPS.

Edge Hacks – ₹1.4 Crore Seed Round

Boards to develop smart devices such as drones and industrial equipment.

All for this week's Indian tech and startup news here. Watch this space for more on how India is constructing its digital and AI-enabled future.