Top 10 countries leading in Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups; India makes a mark globally

BCG highlights that more than 90% of consumers in India and the United Arab Emirates are familiar with ChatGPT, while awareness levels in China and Saudi Arabia surpass 80%.

Additionally, about 75% of respondents are using ChatGPT or another AI-driven service, particularly in markets such as India—so-called mature markets—which stands out with the highest percentage of individuals using AI tools like ChatGPT at 45%.

The country’s extensive IT workforce is well-prepared to leverage AI technologies across various applications, such as research assistance and personal virtual support.

On the contrary, respondents in the U.S., which leads the world in total AI private investment at $335 billion between 2013 and 2023, report lower usage of ChatGPT, primarily engaging with it for casual exploration.

This trend has fuelled the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2023, with projections suggesting continued growth into 2024, resulting in a significant increase in the number of newly funded AI companies.

Notably, the global AI market size is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.6% from 2024 to 2030, according to a forecast by Grand View Research.

As a result, the number of newly funded AI startups has reached approximately 1,812, representing a 40.6% increase from the previous year, with global private investment in AI standing at $91.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to rise to $158.4 billion by 2025, according to the Stanford AI Index Report 2024 and Goldman Sachs.

Attracting a wave of new entrepreneurs and founders to the industry, we explore the countries with the highest number of AI startups that are leading the way forward globally.

Top 10 countries with the highest number of AI startups (2013-2023):

Stanford’s 2024 AI Index Report has identified the top countries that have experienced the most significant activity in AI startups over the past decade.

Source: AI Index 2024 Stanford Report
Note: This analysis, based on data from 2013 to 2023, focuses on newly funded AI startups that secured over $1.5 million in private investment.

Top 10 countries with the highest ChatGPT usage:

As artificial intelligence increasingly integrates into everyday life, the adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT has surged globally.

Notably, India leads the way with the highest percentage of users, as 45% of respondents reported using ChatGPT, according to BCG.

This enthusiasm for AI is reflected in the survey results, where approximately 40% of participants expressed excitement about AI technologies.

However, there are also mixed feelings, with 28% feeling conflicted and 29% expressing concerns about the implications of AI.

The following table highlights the top 10 countries with the highest percentage of surveyed individuals who actively use ChatGPT.

Source: CCI Global Consumer Sentiment Survey 2023 by Boston Consulting Group