Karnataka to set up India’s first Government driven AI University

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that the state will establish India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, aiming to position Karnataka as a global hub for responsible AI innovation.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of Google I/O Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru, where technology leaders, researchers, startups and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.

The proposed AI University will focus on developing world-class AI talent, promoting advanced research, and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry and government. Alongside the university, the state government will also set up an AI Hub to serve as an incubation centre for startups, researchers and companies working on AI technologies.

The initiative is part of Karnataka's broader vision to become an "AI-native State," where artificial intelligence improves governance, healthcare, education, agriculture and public services.

Highlighting Karnataka's strong technology ecosystem, Shivakumar said the state contributes nearly 40% of India's software exports and Bengaluru is home to over 17,000 startups. He also invited global technology companies to partner with the government in building AI-driven solutions and strengthening the state's digital infrastructure for future innovation.