India Dominates Google's Nano Banana Image-Generation Model with Local Creative Edge

India Leads the Way on Google's Nano Banana with a Local Creative Twist MUMBAI, INDIA - In a remarkable display of innovation and creativity, India has emerged as the top country in terms of usage for Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, also known as Nano Banana, a cutting-edge image-generation model that has taken the world by storm since its launch last month. According to David Sharon, multimodal generation lead for Gemini Apps at Google DeepMind, who spoke at a media session this week, India's scale - the second-largest smartphone market and second-biggest online population after China - is not the only reason behind its success. "What's catching our attention is how people are using Nano Banana in uniquely local, highly creative, and sometimes unexpected ways," Sharon said. The Gemini app, which features the Nano Banana model, has topped the free app charts on both the App Store and Google Play in India, as well as globally, according to Appfigures. However, it's not just the numbers that are impressive; it's how Indians are engaging with the AI model. Millions of users are creating retro portraits, incorporating local trends, and experimenting with the technology in ways that are distinct from other parts of the world. One notable trend is the use of Nano Banana to create vibrant, colorful portraits of Indian icons, such as Bollywood stars and historical figures. Users are also leveraging the model to generate images of local festivals, food, and architecture, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. The success of Nano Banana in India can be attributed to several factors, including the country's strong mobile internet penetration, a growing middle class with disposable income, and a vibrant digital ecosystem that encourages innovation and creativity. "India has always been at the forefront of technology adoption, and this is just another example of its potential," said Rohan Verma, a tech analyst based in New Delhi. As Nano Banana continues to gain momentum globally, concerns about privacy and safety are beginning to emerge. However, Google officials have assured that the model is designed with robust safeguards to protect user data and prevent misuse. Looking ahead, experts predict that the Gemini app will continue to be a game-changer for the tech industry, not just in India but worldwide. "The potential of AI-generated content is vast, and we're excited to see how users will continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation," said Sharon. As the world watches India's lead on Nano Banana, one thing is clear: this cutting-edge technology has only just begun to scratch the surface of its possibilities, and it will be fascinating to see where it takes us next. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*