Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar today announced that India’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) University will come up in the state. He also announced that Government will set up an AI Hub as an incubation centre for research and development in AI by start-ups, companies and others. 

 

Making these announcements while inaugurating Google Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the proposed university would play a pivotal role in building world-class AI talent, advancing research and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and government. It will drive the state’s ambition to become a global leader in responsible AI innovation.

 

Addressing technology leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, developers, researchers and policymakers from across India and the world, the Chief Minister said Karnataka currently contributes nearly 40 per cent of India’s software exports, while Bengaluru is home to over 17,000 startups and thousands of Global Capability Centres that design and engineer products for the global market. He said the state’s first ambition is to become an AI-native state, where Artificial Intelligence is used responsibly to improve governance and everyday lives rather than remaining a technological tool.