New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- MUMBAI: India's data centre industry is shifting into a new phase in which public market listings and joint ventures are increasingly being looked upon as funding options.

Surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-ready infrastructure is sharply raising capital needs, pushing operators to seek larger pools of capital for growth. Rapid adoption of data-heavy platforms and policy thrusts such as the government's Digital India mission are also prompting several major players to tap public markets.

Last week, Sify Infinit Spaces Ltd became the country's first pure-play data centre company to receive a regulatory nod for a Rs.3,700 crore initial public offering (IPO). Of this, Rs.1,325 crore is earmarked as capita...