The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications has announced the formation of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fund, with the goal of supporting high-tech projects in AI and related fields nationwide.

This fund is a result of the Ignite Technology Fund’s evolution, specifically focusing on advancing AI initiatives.

The current scope of the Ignite Technology Fund, as outlined by the IT Ministry, primarily covers support for Research and Development (R&D), entrepreneurship, and skill development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

However, there is a noticeable lack of dedicated provisions for high-tech sectors, particularly AI and its related technologies. To address this gap, the Ministry has initiated the creation of a specialized fund dedicated to the advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

As outlined in the document, the IT Ministry also intends to establish Centers of Excellence in AI (CoEAI) in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, complemented by Auxiliary AI Centers in other cities including Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gilgit.

These centers are envisioned to offer crucial support by providing access to advanced computer infrastructure, laboratories, testbeds, and other necessary resources.

They will act as focal points for nurturing AI talent, assisting entrepreneurs and startups engaged in AI-driven products and solutions, and leading nationwide initiatives utilizing AI for civic and social purposes.

While recognizing the existing role of National Centers for AI in applied R&D at leading academic institutions in major cities, the government has identified a need for regional and central hubs for AI and related technologies. These hubs are expected to offer comprehensive opportunities for skill development, applied R&D, computational resources, test beds, and regulatory sandboxes in AI.

Additionally, the government plans to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign on AI and related technologies at the national level. This initiative aims to raise awareness across the population, targeting 90 percent of those with internet access.

Under the auspices of CoEAI, initiatives will include revising curricula at all education levels, providing training for the existing workforce, and implementing specialized programs catering to marginalized groups such as women and persons with disabilities (PWDs).