In a significant step towards technology-led governance, Chandigarh has initiated plans to establish its own Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI-CoE). The proposed centre is expected to strengthen AI-driven public services, support innovation, and create a thriving ecosystem for startups, research, and emerging technologies.
According to officials, the Chandigarh administration has started the process of setting up the AI-CoE under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) IndiaAI Startup Financing Pillar scheme. The centre is envisioned as a collaborative platform connecting government, academia, and industry to develop practical AI solutions for real-world administrative and urban challenges.
As part of the initiative, the administration will identify key governance areas and specific problem statements where AI-based interventions can improve public service delivery and decision-making. The proposed facility is planned to be located in Chandigarh IT Park.
The Information Technology Department will serve as the nodal agency and oversee the selection of an implementing agency through a screening and approval process. Project proposals will first receive approval from the Chandigarh administration before being submitted to MeitY for final sanction and funding support.
Punjab Engineering College (PEC) is expected to play a major role by supporting testing, pilot projects, and the development of AI-based solutions in collaboration with industry partners and funding agencies. Officials believe this partnership will help bridge academic research with practical governance applications.
The proposed AI-CoE is part of the national IndiaAI Mission, which aims to accelerate AI adoption across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and governance. Chandigarh has been classified as a low-population region under the scheme and is required to establish at least 1 AI Centre of Excellence.
Beyond governance, the centre will function as an innovation hub for startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Plans include co-working spaces, incubation support, mentorship programmes, investor engagement opportunities, advanced AI laboratories, high-performance computing infrastructure, specialised software tools, and sandbox environments. The centre will also focus on technologies such as AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Funding for the project will follow a shared model, with MeitY contributing around 40% of the cost, the Chandigarh administration providing another 40%, and the remaining 20% coming from industry and academic partners.
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