DPI to the Power of AI: The People+ai Approach

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to the digital frameworks and systems that underpin public services, making them more accessible to India’s population. When AI is incorporated into this infrastructure, the result is a highly adaptive, efficient, and user-centric ecosystem.

AI's role is to interpret complex data, anticipate needs, and provide solutions that are tailored to individual preferences and circumstances, thus elevating the DPI from a static framework to a living, breathing entity that evolves in real-time.

It signals a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more nuanced, personalized service delivery model. This transition is crucial in a country as diverse as India, where the needs and challenges of its citizens vary greatly across its vast geography.

People+ai’s four pillar approach

In our goal to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence for societal good, People + ai anchors its mission on four fundamental pillars. These pillars not only define our approach but also serve as a roadmap for how AI can be leveraged effectively in India.

1. Discover and demonstrate AI use cases

The first pillar focuses on the identification and exploration of AI use cases relevant to India's unique challenges. This involves discovering potential applications and demonstrating their effectiveness in real-world settings.

We are committed to engaging and launching pilot projects and research initiatives to showcase how AI can address specific issues, from healthcare and education to agriculture and governance.

2. Build infrastructure and public goods

The second pillar emphasizes the importance of infrastructure in scaling AI solutions. Recognizing that innovative AI applications require a strong foundation, we are involved in building the necessary digital and physical infrastructure. This includes everything from data centers, compute infrastructure, and network capabilities to platforms and tools that enable the efficient deployment of AI technologies.

Additionally, we focus on creating public goods that can facilitate the widespread adoption of AI. This involves developing open-source software, creating accessible datasets, and setting up frameworks that ensure AI solutions are not just effective but also equitable and accessible to all segments of society.

3. Foster a community for collaboration

At the heart of our approach is the belief that collaboration is key to the successful implementation of AI. The third pillar, therefore, is about fostering a community that brings together various stakeholders in the AI field.

This community includes AI researchers, developers, entrepreneurs, government officials, and civil society organizations.

By creating a collaborative ecosystem, the organization aims to encourage the sharing of ideas, resources, and best practices. This collaborative approach not only accelerates the development of AI solutions but also ensures they are more holistic, taking into account diverse perspectives and expertise.

4. Disseminate knowledge and experiences

The final pillar is the broad dissemination of knowledge and experiences gained through People + ai initiatives. We believe in the power of knowledge sharing as a tool for empowerment and progress.

We facilitate the sharing of research findings and experiences widely. This dissemination is aimed at informing stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the general public, about the potential and practicality of AI solutions in addressing India's pressing needs.

India’s DPI challenges

While the integration of DPI with AI ushers in a new era of innovation and efficiency in India, the journey is not without its hurdles. These barriers not only challenge the implementation of the DPI to the power of AI approach but also offer valuable insights into areas that require strategic focus and intervention.

Data quality and availability

India's vast and diverse data landscape is marked by inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and gaps, particularly in rural regions. For AI systems to function optimally, they require large volumes of high-quality, reliable data. Addressing issues of data fragmentation and standardization is crucial for building AI models that can truly understand and serve the needs of India's population.

There also needs to be a high degree of interoperability among various digital systems and services. India's digital landscape is characterized by a multitude of platforms and services, each with its own standards and protocols.

Achieving interoperability and standardization across these diverse systems is a complex challenge that requires coordinated efforts across government, industry, and civil society.

Digital infrastructure and connectivity

The effectiveness of AI-powered DPI heavily relies on the underlying digital infrastructure and connectivity. Despite significant strides in digital access, many parts of India still face challenges with reliable internet access and digital literacy.

These gaps in digital connectivity limit the reach and impact of AI-enhanced public services, particularly in remote and marginalized communities.

Talent and skill development

The AI ecosystem thrives on the availability of skilled professionals who can design, implement, and manage AI systems. India faces a talent gap in the AI domain, with a shortage of skilled AI professionals and data scientists.

Building a robust pipeline of AI talent involves not just enhancing higher education curricula but also promoting widespread digital literacy and AI awareness at all levels of education.

Ethical and privacy concerns

The integration of AI into public services raises significant ethical and privacy concerns. The potential for bias in AI algorithms, coupled with the risks associated with data privacy and security, poses a significant barrier.

Establishing stringent ethical guidelines, transparent AI governance frameworks, and robust data protection laws is essential to address these concerns and build public trust in AI-enabled services.

Get involved in our work

We recognize that the path forward is one of collective action and shared vision. This is why we’re building a community that is passionate about using technology to create positive change.

We invite you to volunteer your time, skills, and enthusiasm to this cause. Whether you're a developer, a designer, an ideator, or simply someone who cares about the future of our society, there's a place for you here.

Visit our website to learn more about our current projects and how you can contribute. We're excited to welcome you to our community.