ChatGPT maker OpenAI to open first office in India, starts recruitment

ChatGPT parent OpenAI on Friday said that it will set up its first office in India in New Delhi later this year, as the artificial intelligence giant seeks to expand its footprint in the country's rapidly growing AI market. 

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, said it has officially established an entity in India and has begun hiring a dedicated local team. "Opening an office in India reflects OpenAI's support for IndiaAI mission and commitment to partnering with the government to build AI for India, with India," the company said in a statement.

The company added that the expansion underscores India's global leadership in AI and the growing demand for OpenAI's advanced tools among people, developers, and businesses across the country.

Data cited by OpenAI highlighted India as a leading country for AI adoption. Weekly active users of ChatGPT in India increased more than four times in just the past year. The country also ranks among the top five developer markets globally on the OpenAI platform. India also has the largest population of students on ChatGPT worldwide.

"The level of excitement and opportunity for AI in India is incredible. India has all the ingredients to become a global AI leader, amazing tech talent, a world-class developer ecosystem, and strong government support through the IndiaAI Mission," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said.

"Opening our first office and building a local team is an important first step in our commitment to make advanced AI more accessible across the country and to build AI for India, and with India," he added. 

OpenAI said that the new team will focus on strengthening relationships with local partners, governments, businesses, developers, and academic institutions. "Through this local presence, OpenAI is committed to listening closely to users, customers, and partners across India, and to building features and tools specifically for India, designed to make advanced AI more affordable and accessible to people throughout the entire country," the company said.

The decision follows the recent launch of new initiatives tailored for the Indian market, including ChatGPT Go, OpenAI Academy, and enhanced Indic language support, among others. 

Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said that OpenAI's decision reflects India's growth in the artificial intelligence sector. "OpenAI's decision to establish a presence in India reflects the country's growing leadership in digital innovation and AI adoption. With strong investments in digital public infrastructure, AI talent, and enterprise-scale solutions, India is uniquely positioned to drive the next wave of AI-led transformation," he said.

As part of the IndiaAI Mission, the country is building an ecosystem for trusted and inclusive AI, the minister said, adding, "We welcome OpenAI's partnership in advancing this vision to ensure the benefits of AI reach every citizen."

Local businesses and institutions across India are already using OpenAI's tools to tackle critical challenges, such as AI-powered agricultural services, streamlined recruitment, and effective governance tools, the company said.

Looking ahead, OpenAI will host its first Education Summit in India this month. Later this year, OpenAI will host its first Developer Day in India, bringing together the country's community of developers, startups, and enterprises shaping the future of AI. "OpenAI is actively hiring for roles in India. Further details about the new office and planned activities will be announced in the coming months," the ChatGPT-maker informed.

(With inputs from PTI)