- Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the establishment of India's first government-driven AI University during the Google I/O Connect India 2026 event.
- The proposed AI University will focus on nurturing world-class AI talent, promoting advanced research, and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
- The AI Hub will serve as an incubation centre for AI research and development by startups, companies, and other stakeholders.
- Karnataka contributes nearly 40% of India's software exports, with Bengaluru being home to over 17,000 startups.
- Shivakumar emphasized that the state's ambition is to become an AI-native state, integrating AI into governance to enhance public service delivery.
- The AI Hub is planned as an incubation centre for AI-related innovation, supporting startups and researchers.
- Karnataka's AI-native State vision includes the use of AI in various sectors such as governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, and public services.
- The government is also considering establishing two green data centres to support AI infrastructure in the state.
Karnataka's Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Tuesday the creation of India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and an AI Hub during the Google I/O Connect India 2026 event. This initiative aims to bolster research, innovation, and talent development in the AI sector, aligning with the state's vision to become an AI-native State.4567
The proposed university will focus on nurturing world-class AI talent and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Shivakumar emphasized that AI should enhance public services, stating, “AI must help teachers teach better, doctors diagnose diseases earlier, farmers receive better advisory services, citizens access government services with dignity and speed, and small businesses compete confidently.”3
Karnataka contributes nearly 40% of India’s software exports, with Bengaluru housing over 17,000 startups and numerous Global Capability Centres. The AI Hub is envisioned as an incubation centre for AI-related innovation, supporting startups and companies in research and development.
Additionally, the state is exploring the establishment of two green data centres to enhance AI infrastructure, with potential sites in Hoskote and near Mangaluru. Shivakumar invited Google to deepen its partnership with Karnataka, focusing on developing AI solutions across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance.9
“Shivakumar made the announcement at Google I/O Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru, outlining Karnataka's aim to become an 'AI-native State'. He also called for Google to partner on AI solutions for education, healthcare, and urban mobility, leveraging Bengaluru's 17,000 startups and 40% of India's software exports.”
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