Karnataka Plans State-Backed AI University
The southern state has announced plans for what it says will be India’s first government-led AI university, alongside an incubation hub for researchers and startups.
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Karnataka plans to establish what it says will be India’s first government-led artificial intelligence university and create an AI hub for research and startups.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the proposals on Tuesday, July 14, at Google I/O Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru.
“We want to lay the foundation for the first and the largest AI university by the government,” Shivakumar said. “We want to create and nurture an AI ecosystem that is world class.”
The proposed university would train AI professionals, support advanced research and encourage collaboration among academia, industry and government. The planned AI Hub would incubate projects developed by startups, companies and researchers.
The government has not disclosed the university’s location, investment, academic structure or opening date.
Shivakumar said Karnataka wanted to become an “AI-native state” that uses the technology to improve public services.
“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,” he said.
He said Karnataka accounts for nearly 40% of India’s software exports, while Bengaluru is home to more than 17,000 startups and thousands of global capability centers.
The state is also considering two green data centers, one near Bengaluru and another in coastal Karnataka, to support AI computing infrastructure. The projects remain under discussion.
Shivakumar invited Google to work with the state on AI applications in education, healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, urban mobility, and government services.
He also sought Google’s support for startups, AI education and efforts to position Karnataka as a center for responsible AI development.
