Indian Startups Bet Big on AI Voice Bots to Reach a Billion People 

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Indian startups are making bold strides in the AI space by focusing on voice bots that can communicate in multiple Indian languages. Companies like Sarvam AI, Gnani AI, and CoRover AI are leading this charge, leveraging voice technology to reach a broader audience in a country where linguistic diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity. This shift towards voice-based AI is not only transforming how businesses interact with customers but also positioning India as a potential global leader in the next frontier of generative AI products.

The Rise of Voice Bots in India

Earlier this month, tech leaders from Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and Meta gathered in Bangalore to witness the unveiling of a new AI product by Sarvam AI, often referred to as India’s OpenAI. Sarvam AI introduced a groundbreaking software solution that allows businesses to interact with customers through spoken voice rather than text. Developed using data from 10 native Indian languages, this voice bot technology is priced at an accessible rate of one rupee per minute, a strategic move to capture the vast Indian market. Vinod Khosla, a prominent venture capitalist and investor in Sarvam AI, emphasized the potential of these voice bots, stating that they "have the potential to reach a billion people."

The shift towards AI voice bots is driven by the realization that while many urban Indians can interact with AI through text prompts in English, the majority of the country’s population lacks the language skills to do so. By building voice bots that cater to local languages and dialects, these startups aim to democratize access to AI, making it more inclusive and accessible to the masses.

Diverse Applications Across Sectors

The applications of AI voice bots in India are diverse, spanning consumer services, financial sectors, and even public services. Samsung-backed Gnani AI, for instance, handles millions of voice conversations daily for some of India’s largest banks, insurance companies, and automakers. Gnani AI’s bots assist lenders in conversing with potential customers, gathering personal information, and determining loan eligibility. They also work with Tata Motors to collect feedback on new car models and promote extended warranties and accessories.

CoRover AI, another key player, offers voice bots in 14 Indian languages, catering to clients like India’s state-owned railway corporation and regional police forces. Their "Ask Disha" voice bot, which recently went live for the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), can book train tickets and process payments solely through voice commands. According to CoRover’s CEO, Ankush Sabharwal, the focus is on creating AI agents that can perform tasks rather than just provide information, making the technology more practical and user-friendly.

Sarvam AI’s voice bots are particularly notable for their ability to handle mixed-language conversations and take actions such as setting up appointments and facilitating payments. The company’s clients include Sri Mandir, a popular devotional app with over 10 million downloads. Sarvam’s technology enables the app to guide users through specific rituals and blessings at various temples, showcasing the bot’s ability to understand and respond to culturally nuanced queries.

A Global Ambition with Local Roots

While these startups are firmly rooted in the Indian market, their ambitions extend beyond national borders. Gnani AI, for example, has already deployed its voice bots internationally, including in the United States, where they help a Harley-Davidson leasing company reach Spanish-speaking customers. This demonstrates the versatility and scalability of Indian AI voice technology, which could potentially cater to other linguistically diverse markets such as the Middle East and Japan.

However, this rapid expansion of AI voice technology is not without its challenges. Concerns about the ethical implications of AI, particularly regarding user privacy and the potential for AI-generated voices to be misused, have been raised. Companies like OpenAI have been cautious in rolling out voice features, citing risks such as emotional dependency and impersonation. Despite these concerns, Indian startups remain optimistic about the future of AI voice bots.

Ganesh Gopalan, co-founder and CEO of Gnani AI, argues that AI designed for specific use cases and languages is not only more accurate but also less expensive to operate and less prone to errors. By focusing on local languages and user needs, these startups are creating AI solutions that are tailored to their audience, thereby reducing the likelihood of AI "hallucinations" or factual inaccuracies.

The rise of AI voice bots in India represents a significant shift in how technology can be used to reach a broader and more diverse population. By harnessing the power of local languages and culturally relevant data, startups like Sarvam AI, Gnani AI, and CoRover AI are breaking down barriers to technology access and setting the stage for a new era of AI-driven interactions. As these companies continue to innovate, they are not only transforming the Indian market but also positioning themselves as key players in the global AI landscape