G42 Unveils NANDA: A Cutting-Edge Hindi Language AI Model with 13 Billion Parameters
G42, the prominent AI firm based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced the launch of NANDA, a new large language model (LLM) designed specifically for Hindi-speaking users. This significant development was revealed at the India-UAE business forum in Mumbai, coinciding with the State visit of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi.
NANDA, named after one of India's highest peaks, boasts an impressive parameter count of 13 billion and has been trained on approximately 2.13 trillion tokens of diverse language datasets, including extensive Hindi text. The model represents a major step forward in AI inclusivity, aimed at enhancing digital and AI engagement for Hindi speakers.
The development of NANDA involved a collaborative effort between G42's subsidiary Inception, Cerebras Systems, and researchers from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in the UAE. The training of this advanced model was conducted on Condor Galaxy, one of the world's most powerful AI supercomputers, a joint venture between G42 and Cerebras Systems.
Dr. Andrew Jackson, acting CEO of Inception, emphasized the importance of NANDA in promoting AI inclusivity. "With NANDA, we are heralding a new era of AI inclusivity, ensuring that the rich heritage and depth of the Hindi language are well-represented in the digital and AI landscape. This model exemplifies G42’s commitment to excellence and fostering equitable AI development," Jackson stated.
This launch follows G42’s previous introduction of JAIS in August 2023, the world's first open-source Arabic LLM. JAIS, with parameter sizes ranging from 590 million to 70 billion, set a new standard for linguistic AI, and G42 aims to replicate this success for other underrepresented languages.
G42’s advancements in AI extend beyond language models. The company has recently secured a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft, further strengthening its capabilities in AI development. Additionally, G42’s health tech subsidiary has rolled out two upgraded versions of Med42, an AI assistant designed to support clinicians, healthcare administrators, insurers, and patients.
The launch of NANDA marks a significant milestone in expanding AI accessibility and representation, reflecting G42's ongoing dedication to advancing technology that bridges linguistic and regional gaps.
