India's AI boom spurs $30 bn monthly platform deals as Chennai data‑centre growth strains water and power

Responsive, a Coimbatore‑based SaaS firm, processes over $30 billion worth of business opportunities each month on its AI‑enhanced platform. CEO Ganesh Shankar said the company has handled more than $1 trillion in opportunities since its launch, serves more than 2,000 customers—including 25 Fortune 100 firms—and is expanding its AI agent orchestration without seeking new capital.

At the same time, Chennai is positioning itself as India’s AI and data‑centre hub, attracting major investments from operators such as Sify. Analysts warn that AI‑focused facilities consume far more electricity and water than traditional data centres, placing additional stress on a city that has faced severe droughts and flood‑related water shortages. The increased power and cooling demand raises concerns about grid reliability and sustainable water supplies as the city scales up its digital infrastructure.