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Sinclair CEO: Edge AI + D2M Tech Can Bridge Digital Divide for Billions

Christopher Ripley, CEO of Sinclair, argues that AI must move beyond cloud dependency to reach billions, proposing a model combining edge intelligence with Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting. This technology can deliver educational and critical services to low-cost devices without an internet connection, overcoming access barriers. His comments come ahead of the India AI Impact Summit, which highlights India's substantial investment in its AI ecosystem through the IndiaAI Mission. The mission has already onboarded thousands of GPUs, supported thousands of students, and is fostering the development of indigenous AI models and applications.

Key Points: Edge AI & D2M for Last-Mile Delivery: Sinclair CEO's Vision

  • Edge AI reduces cloud dependency
  • D2M broadcasts without internet
  • Aims for inclusive last-mile delivery
  • IndiaAI Mission's Rs 10,372 Cr push
  • Focus on India-centric challenges
2 min read

AI with edge intelligence and D2M can ensure last-mile delivery: Sinclair CEO Ripley

Sinclair CEO Christopher Ripley advocates for edge intelligence and Direct-to-Mobile broadcasting to deliver AI services without internet, ensuring inclusive access.

"If AI depends solely on cloud connectivity and expensive infrastructure, billions will be left behind. - Christopher Ripley"

New Delhi, February 15

Ahead of India-AI Impact Summit next week, Christopher Ripley, President and CEO of Sinclair, asks a compelling question that's central to the global AI conversation. Rather than debating whether artificial intelligence will transform the world, Ripley stresses focusing on a more pressing question -- who will AI truly reach? -

Ripley emphasised that AI's transformative power may risk leaving billions behind if it remains dependent on cloud connectivity and expensive infrastructure.

He calls for a more inclusive and resilient model of deployment and highlights the potential of combining edge intelligence with Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting.

"If AI depends solely on cloud connectivity and expensive infrastructure, billions will be left behind. A different future is possible. By combining edge intelligence with Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, we can deliver learning, skills, and critical services to low-cost devices at unprecedented scale--without reliance on networks," he said, as per a X post by MeitY.

"AI at the edge delivered through secure and trustworthy D2M can ensure last-mile delivery of quality education, overcoming both language and access barriers," he adds.

In simple terms, D2M as a technology can deliver content to a large audience simultaneously, without requiring an internet connection.

India's AI strategy is based on the Prime Minister's vision to democratise the use of technology. It aims to address India-centric challenges and create economic and employment opportunities for all Indians.

In March 2024, the Government of India launched the IndiaAI mission with an outlay of Rs 10,372 Cr for the development of the overall AI ecosystem in the country.

In less than 24 months, India AI Mission has set up a foundation for the development of the AI ecosystem in the country. More than 38 thousand GPUs for a common compute facility have been onboarded, which are being provided to Indian start-ups and academia at an affordable rate.

Twelve teams have been shortlisted for the development of indigenous foundational models or Large Language Models.

Thirty applications have been approved for developing India-specific AI applications.

More than 8000 undergraduate students, 5000 postgraduate students, and 500 PhD students are being supported for talent development.27 India Data and AI labs have been established, and 543 more have been identified.

India is now set to host the India AI Impact Summit from February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together governments, industry leaders, researchers, startups, students, and citizens from across the world.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus on "who will AI reach" is so important. Too much tech development happens in silos. If this can truly bridge the digital divide and provide skills to the last mile, it aligns perfectly with our national goals. Hope the execution matches the vision.
R
Rohit P
Rs. 10,372 crore is a massive investment. While the idea is good, I hope there is strict accountability. We've seen big missions before where funds don't translate to ground impact. The focus should be on real, measurable outcomes for villages and small towns.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in ed-tech, the potential here is enormous. Overcoming language and access barriers is the key to scalable digital education in India. Combining edge AI with broadcasting could revolutionize how we think about content delivery.
K
Karthik V
Supporting 8000+ UG students and 500 PhDs is a solid step for talent development. But we also need to ensure these indigenous AI models are built with our data, for our problems. Agriculture, healthcare, local governance - these should be the priority areas.
M
Michael C
The technical challenge will be immense. Delivering "intelligence" via broadcast is very different from streaming video. The AI models on the edge devices will need to be incredibly efficient and the D2M protocol robust. Hope our engineers are up for it!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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