HCLTech invests $150 million for 10.46% Sarvam stake backing sovereign AI
HCLTech, one of India's big IT names, is investing $150 million for a 10.46% stake in Sarvam, a startup focused on sovereign AI.
This is the first time an Indian IT giant has backed a homegrown AI company at this scale.
The move comes as India aims to build its own AI tech and reduce dependence on foreign models, especially with global competition and new restrictions from the US on using certain American AI tools.
HCLTech hopes 30% AI revenue boost
Sarvam stands out for its data security chops, support for multiple languages, and strong performance, key for Indian businesses, government projects, and industries with strict rules.
HCLTech's CEO and MD C Vijayakumar says this partnership will help it serve Indian needs better and expand globally.
HCLTech already makes $620 million a year from advanced AI and hopes teaming up with Sarvam will boost that by 30%.
It's also retraining its team as AI super users so it's ready for what comes next.