Karnataka is set to establish India’s first government-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, marking a major step in the state’s vision to become a global hub for responsible AI innovation. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during the inauguration of Google I/O Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru.
Alongside the AI University, the state government also unveiled plans to launch an AI Hub, which will function as an incubation centre for startups, companies, researchers, and academic institutions to support AI research and development.
The proposed AI University will focus on developing world-class AI talent, advancing cutting-edge research, and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
“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,” said Shivakumar.
Highlighting the state’s technology leadership, he said Karnataka contributes nearly 40% of India’s software exports, while Bengaluru is home to more than 17,000 startups and a significant number of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He added that the government’s long-term vision is to make Karnataka an AI-native state.
Shivakumar said AI has the potential to help teachers improve education, enable doctors to detect diseases earlier, provide farmers with better advisory services, simplify access to government services, and empower small businesses to compete more effectively.
He also acknowledged Google’s presence in Karnataka, noting that the company has spent more than 20 years building one of its major global engineering, research, and innovation centres in Bengaluru.
Inviting deeper collaboration, Shivakumar encouraged Google to work with the state on AI-driven solutions across education, healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, urban mobility, and governance.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.