Karnataka plans next phase of AI, robotics and deep-tech expansion

Karnataka is stepping up efforts to strengthen its deep-tech innovation ecosystem, with a focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced research and prototype development, Minister for Electronics, IT and BT Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.

Kharge held discussions with the team of the AI and Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK), a Centre of Excellence supported by the Karnataka government's Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology, on the institution's next phase of growth and expansion.

The discussions covered advanced technology research, strengthening research and development (R&D) capabilities, and targeted projects in foundational deep-tech sectors to generate greater value, a release from the minister's office said.

The ARTPARK team informed Kharge that the institution was among five Focused Research Organisations (FROs) selected under the Centre's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund initiative. The team also briefed him on an allocation of Rs 500 crore under the initiative, the release said.

Kharge said it was a matter of pride that two of the five selected organisations were based in Bengaluru.

ARTPARK and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), both supported by the Karnataka government's IT and Biotechnology department, were the two Bengaluru-based institutions selected under the initiative, he said.

Since its inception, ARTPARK has received more than Rs 62 crore in support from the state government. It has incubated 36 deep-tech companies, with another 18 in the pipeline. The combined valuation of startups incubated by the institution exceeds Rs 1,700 crore, according to the information shared.

ARTPARK has also undertaken several social innovation initiatives alongside its work in research and entrepreneurship.

It is recognised as one of the top two among 23 hubs operating across the country under the Department of Science and Technology's National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the release said.

ARTPARK's expansion plans centre on three key areas. The first is BRAINZ (Bengaluru Robotics and AI Innovation Zone), which aims to create more opportunities for research, innovation and technology development in robotics and artificial intelligence.

The second involves strengthening ArtGarage and ArtLabs by expanding prototyping and manufacturing capabilities and providing shared R&D facilities. These facilities are expected to help researchers, innovators and startups turn ideas into practical technology solutions.

The third priority is implementing targeted projects in foundational deep-tech sectors to expand research capabilities and accelerate the development of advanced technologies.

The initiatives are expected to reinforce Bengaluru's position as a centre for research, technological innovation and deep-tech entrepreneurship, while supporting solutions with economic and social impact.

The achievements of ARTPARK and C-CAMP underline the role of state-supported Centres of Excellence in strengthening India's research and innovation ecosystem, the release said.