India Debates Building a Homegrown ChatGPT Alternative at Soonicorns Summit 2025

Bengaluru, July 1, 2025

The spotlight was on generative AI at the ET Soonicorns Summit 2025, where Indian startups and global tech leaders debated the urgent need for a homegrown ChatGPT alternative.

Why Are Indian Startups Pushing for a Homegrown ChatGPT?

Startups like Hanooman.ai and CoRoverAI, along with representatives from Microsoft, explored the possibility of creating a powerful, multilingual Indian AI assistant tailored to the country’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.

What Challenges Must India Overcome to Build Its Own AI Model?

The discussions highlighted key challenges—including the need for robust digital infrastructure, government policy support, and local data availability. The consensus: India has the talent and momentum, but scaling to ChatGPT-level AI requires long-term investment and public-private collaboration.

CoRoverAI, known for building BharatGPT, emphasi`zed real-time translation and conversational accuracy across Indian languages. Meanwhile, Hanooman.ai stressed building trust in AI for tier-2 and tier-3 audiences.

As global AI leaders surge ahead, Indian innovators are rallying to ensure the country doesn’t just consume AI—but helps shape it.

Also Read:

Munjal Calls Out India’s AI Shortfall: Urges Policy Push and Greater Investment

Realme 15 Pro “AI Party Phone” to Launch in India: Set to Redefine Budget Smartphones