Krutrim Launches Its Agentic AI Assistant Kruti with a promise to redefine how Indians interact with technology. This conversational AI, backed by Ola’s AI unicorn Krutrim, aims to go beyond traditional chatbots by proactively handling tasks like booking cabs, ordering food, and making payments. In this article, Startup INIDAX explores Kruti’s features, the technology powering it, and its potential to shape India’s AI landscape. From its multimodal capabilities to the challenges it faces, we dive deep into why this launch is a big deal for Indian startups and users alike.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Krutrim’s Big Bet on Agentic AI
Imagine telling your phone, “Book me a cab to the airport,” and it just happens—no apps, no hassle. That’s the dream Krutrim is chasing with Kruti, its shiny new agentic AI assistant launched on June 12, 2025. Unlike your average chatbot that just answers questions, Kruti is designed to act on your behalf, making life simpler in a country where juggling multiple apps is a daily grind. At Startup INIDAX, we’re excited to unpack this launch because it’s not just about one product—it’s about India’s growing muscle in the global AI race. Let’s dive into what makes Kruti tick and whether it’s ready to live up to the hype.
What Is Kruti? Understanding Krutrim’s Agentic AI Assistant
So, what exactly is Kruti? In simple terms, it’s an AI assistant that doesn’t just talk—it does. Krutrim, founded by Ola’s Bhavish Aggarwal, calls it an “agentic” AI, meaning it can understand your intent and execute tasks autonomously. Need lunch ordered? Kruti can handle it. Want to pay a bill? It’s on it. Launched in beta in 2023, Krutrim has now rolled out Kruti as a full-fledged assistant, available in over 11 Indian languages, with a focus on local context.
This isn’t your typical Siri or Alexa clone. Kruti aims to eliminate “app-switch fatigue” by integrating with services like cab booking (Ola, anyone?) and food delivery platforms. It’s multimodal, meaning it can process text, voice, images, and even files to give you tailored responses. For example, you could snap a picture of a menu and ask Kruti to order your favorite dish. Cool, right?
Key Features of Kruti: How It Stands Out
Kruti’s launch has got people talking, and for good reason. Here’s what makes it special:
- Task Automation: From booking cabs to paying bills, Kruti can handle everyday chores with simple voice or text commands.
- Multimodal Magic: It processes text, voice, images, and files, making it versatile for Indian users who love WhatsApp-style communication.
- Local Flavor: Available in 11+ Indian languages, Kruti understands cultural nuances, which is a big win for non-English speakers.
- Free Tools: Krutrim’s offering research tools, image generation, and action agents at no cost, making it accessible to all.
- Developer-Friendly: With an embeddable SDK, developers can integrate Kruti into third-party apps, opening doors for innovation.
At Startup INIDAX, we think these features show Krutrim’s ambition to create an AI that’s not just smart but also practical for India’s diverse needs.
The Technology Behind Kruti: Krutrim’s AI Innovation
What’s under Kruti’s hood? Krutrim’s latest large language model, Krutrim V2, powers this assistant, blended with open-source systems for cost-efficient performance. This tech stack allows Kruti to scale while keeping things affordable—a must for a price-sensitive market like India. Krutrim’s also investing in homegrown AI infrastructure, including custom chips like Bodhi and Sarv, set to debut by 2026.
The assistant’s ability to format responses in summaries, tables, or even stories is a nod to how Indians consume info—clear, concise, and engaging. Plus, its research mode and image generation capabilities make it a handy tool for students, professionals, and creators. But it’s not perfect. Kruti’s integrations are currently limited to a few partners, which might slow its adoption.
Why Krutrim’s Launch Matters for India’s AI Ecosystem
Krutrim’s launch of Kruti isn’t just a product drop—it’s a statement. India’s AI scene is heating up, and Krutrim, one of the country’s first AI unicorns, is leading the charge. With over ₹2,000 crore invested and plans for ₹10,000 crore more, Krutrim’s betting big on building a full AI stack, from models to chips.
For Indian startups, Kruti’s developer SDK could spark a wave of AI-powered apps, much like how UPI fueled fintech innovation. At Startup INIDAX, we see this as a chance for India to reduce reliance on global tech giants like Google or Amazon. Plus, Kruti’s focus on Indian languages aligns with the government’s IndiaAI Mission, which Krutrim has applied to join. If successful, Kruti could put India on the global AI map.
Challenges Ahead: Can Kruti Live Up to the Hype?
Let’s be real—Kruti’s launch isn’t all roses. Krutrim’s earlier app saw just 14,000 downloads, hinting at adoption struggles. Users might hesitate to trust an AI with tasks like payments, especially in a market where scams are a concern. And while Kruti’s free tools are great, monetization is murky—will it rely on transaction fees or premium plans?
Then there’s the competition. Global players like Alexa and Google Assistant have deep pockets and wider integrations. Krutrim needs to nail execution to stand out. Recent controversies, like allegations of a toxic work culture at Krutrim, also cast a shadow. Still, Bhavish Aggarwal’s track record with Ola gives hope that Krutrim can course-correct.
Krutrim’s Vision: Building an AI-First Future
Bhavish Aggarwal isn’t just building an assistant—he’s dreaming of an AI-first India. “Kruti is the future of AI where technology doesn’t just talk back but helps you get things done,” he said at the launch. Krutrim’s roadmap includes expanding Kruti’s integrations, hosting more global models like Meta’s Llama 4, and rolling out its own chips.
This vision resonates with Startup INIDAX’s mission to spotlight Indian innovation. If Krutrim pulls this off, Kruti could become as essential as WhatsApp or UPI. But it’ll need to win user trust and deliver seamless experiences to get there.
What Users Are Saying About Kruti
The buzz on X is mixed but hopeful. Some users are thrilled about Kruti’s Indian roots and language support, with one calling it “a leap beyond chatbots.” Others are skeptical, pointing to Krutrim’s past struggles and asking, “Can it really compete with global AIs?” Early adopters praise its cab-booking feature but want more app integrations. As one user put it, “Kruti’s cool, but it needs to work with my Swiggy and Paytm.”
Conclusion: Is Kruti the Future of AI Assistants in India?
Krutrim’s launch of Kruti is a bold step toward an AI-powered India. With its agentic capabilities, local language support, and free tools, Kruti has the potential to shake up how we use technology. But challenges like limited integrations, user trust, and competition loom large. At Startup INIDAX, we’re rooting for Krutrim to succeed, not just for its sake but for the entire Indian startup ecosystem. Will Kruti become your go-to assistant? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s a launch worth watching.
