Karnataka is charting an ambitious course to become a global hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation by announcing plans for India's first government-driven AI University and an accompanying AI Innovation Hub. This strategic move, unveiled by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the Google I/O Connect India 2026 event, aims to integrate AI across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and public services, ultimately transforming Karnataka into an 'AI-native state'. The proposed AI University, envisioned as a world-class institution on a 100-acre campus in Bengaluru with regional campuses planned for Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, and Mysuru, will focus on cultivating AI talent, advancing research, and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
To underpin this AI ecosystem, the state is also finalizing a comprehensive and sustainable Data Centre Policy. This policy is crucial for creating the digital infrastructure necessary to support the intensive computing demands of AI and next-generation technologies. The government plans to establish two next-generation 'green' data centres – one near Bengaluru (possibly Hoskote, utilizing secondary-treated water and solar power from the Pavagada Solar Park) and another in a coastal district like Mangaluru. These green data centres underscore Karnataka's commitment to balancing technological advancement with environmental sustainability, ensuring that the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure is supported by renewable energy and efficient water management. The AI Hub will serve as an incubation center, providing startups and researchers with access to shared, affordable GPU infrastructure and AI computing resources, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and commercialization of AI solutions.
