Karnataka will establish India’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) University and an AI Hub to position the state as a global centre for responsible AI innovation, Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar announced on Tuesday.
The announcements were made while inaugurating Google I/O Connect India 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), where the Chief Minister outlined the state’s roadmap to become an “AI-native” state by integrating artificial intelligence into governance, education, healthcare, agriculture and public services.
The proposed AI University will focus on creating world-class AI talent, advancing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government. The AI Hub, meanwhile, will function as an incubation centre to support startups, companies and researchers working on AI technologies.
Calling Artificial Intelligence the defining technological revolution of the current generation, Shivakumar compared its impact to that of the steam engine, electricity, the internet and mobile technology.
“Bengaluru is not just India’s technology capital but one of the world’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems. Karnataka’s vision is to build one of the world’s leading centres for responsible Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Karnataka contributes nearly 40 per cent of India’s software exports and is home to more than 17,000 startups along with thousands of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), making it well-positioned to lead India’s AI ambitions.
He said the government’s goal is to ensure AI delivers tangible benefits to citizens rather than remaining a technological buzzword.
“AI must help teachers teach better, doctors diagnose diseases earlier, farmers receive better advisory services, citizens access government services with dignity and speed, and small businesses compete confidently,” Shivakumar said.
The government also plans to strengthen Karnataka’s digital infrastructure by expanding data centres and creating a robust ecosystem for AI research, cloud computing, hyperscale computing and next-generation digital services.
Highlighting Google’s two-decade presence in Bengaluru, Shivakumar invited the technology giant to deepen its partnership with Karnataka by developing AI solutions for education, healthcare, agriculture, urban mobility and governance. He also sought Google’s support in expanding AI learning opportunities for students, strengthening the startup ecosystem and making Karnataka a global laboratory for responsible AI.
Emphasising innovation as the state’s core strength, the Chief Minister urged developers, entrepreneurs and researchers to “build boldly” and reaffirmed Karnataka’s commitment to shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence through innovation, inclusion and trust.
