In a bid to cement the state’s position as a global technology powerhouse, Karnataka Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar announced a comprehensive and highly ambitious roadmap to transform Karnataka into India’s definitive “AI Capital.”
The sweeping strategy spans major infrastructure developments, a massive academic footprint, and long-term educational reforms designed to build a world-class artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Anchoring the Vision: India’s First AI University
At the heart of the roadmap is the establishment of India’s first and largest dedicated AI University. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the institution will feature a sprawling, 100-acre world-class campus.
Recognizing the need to distribute high-tech growth beyond the state capital, the Chief Minister also announced that the university will establish key regional campuses across five major hubs:
- Belagavi
- Hubballi-Dharwad
- Kalaburgi
- Mangaluru
- Mysuru
Alongside the university, the state will launch a dedicated AI Hub and formalize Karnataka’s AI Policy. This framework aims to build a globally competitive ecosystem, catalyze foreign and domestic investments, and provide institutional support to early-stage AI startups.
Transforming the Classroom from Class VI
To sustain this ecosystem, Karnataka is taking a forward-looking approach to talent development by introducing AI education into the school curriculum starting from Class VI. By embedding foundational AI skills early in the educational lifecycle, the government aims to cultivate a future-ready workforce capable of leading next-generation tech sectors.
Powering the Future with Green Data Infrastructure
Acknowledging that robust compute capabilities are the bedrock of any AI revolution, the state will commission two next-generation Green Data Centres.
To balance strategic placement with environmental efficiency, one centre will be built in a coastal district—taking advantage of natural cooling and maritime connectivity—while the second will be positioned near Bengaluru to directly serve the city’s massive tech corridor.
These facilities are designed to significantly strengthen Karnataka’s digital infrastructure while ensuring that its computational growth remains sustainable.
