Karnataka will establish the country's first government-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, along with an AI Hub, to boost research, innovation and talent development, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced.
While inaugurating Google I/O Connect India 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), he also said the proposed AI University will nurture world-class AI talent, drive cutting-edge research, and promote collaboration among academia, industry and the government. The AI Hub will act as an incubation centre for AI research and development by startups, companies and other stakeholders.
Calling AI the defining technological revolution of the current era, the Chief Minister outlined Karnataka's vision of becoming an "AI-native State," where artificial intelligence is embedded into governance to enhance public services delivery.
“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,” he said.
Shivakumar highlighted that the state accounts for nearly 40% of India's software exports, while Bengaluru hosts more than 17,000 startups and thousands of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He added that the state government will continue investing in digital infrastructure, including data centres, to support AI innovation, cloud computing and advanced computing capabilities.
Inviting Google to deepen its partnership with Karnataka, the Chief Minister called for collaboration in developing AI solutions for education, healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, urban mobility and governance. He also urged the company to support startups, expand AI learning opportunities for students and help position Karnataka as a global hub for responsible AI innovation.
He concluded by encouraging developers, entrepreneurs, researchers and students to drive the next wave of innovation while ensuring AI remains responsible, inclusive and trusted.
