Snapdeal, a leading ecommerce platform, has forged a strategic partnership with Bhashini, the government’s AI-powered language translation platform, to foster digital inclusion across India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Leveraging AI for Linguistic Diversity
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Snapdeal and Bhashini seeks to harness artificial intelligence and voice-first technology to develop solutions catering to over nine vernacular languages. This initiative underscores a concerted effort to break down linguistic barriers, enhance digital participation, and foster a more connected and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Visionary Leadership
Amitabh Nag, CEO of Bhashini, emphasized the transformative potential of AI and voice-first technology in driving digital inclusion. By leveraging innovative solutions, Bhashini and Snapdeal aim to democratize access to digital services and empower users across varied linguistic backgrounds.
Government Backing and Innovation
Bhashini, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serves as an AI-powered language translation portal, facilitating open data and open-source platforms for startups to develop solutions tailored to government initiatives. This collaborative effort underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and leveraging technology for societal benefit.
Enhancing Accessibility in Ecommerce
Himanshu Chakrawarti, CEO of Snapdeal, highlighted the alignment of this partnership with the company’s mission to enhance accessibility and affordability in online shopping, particularly in Tier III cities and beyond. By embracing AI-driven solutions, Snapdeal aims to broaden its reach and cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers.
Industry Collaboration and Expansion
Bhashini’s collaboration with NPCI, as evidenced by the launch of Hello! UPI for conversational payments in Indian languages, highlights the platform’s growing influence in the fintech sector. Snapdeal’s partnership with Bhashini paves the way for further industry collaboration, with fintech firms exploring opportunities to integrate AI-driven solutions into their systems.
Financial Performance and Market Reach
Despite challenges, Snapdeal’s parent company, AceVector, has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. With a focus on Tier III cities and smaller towns, Snapdeal has positioned itself as a platform catering to a diverse consumer base, with over 86% of orders originating from outside metro cities.
