Karnataka will establish India’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) University along with a dedicated AI Hub to boost research, innovation and entrepreneurship, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar announced on Tuesday. The announcement was made while inaugurating Google I/O Connect India 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, where the chief minister addressed a gathering of global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, developers, researchers and policymakers.
Shivakumar said the proposed AI University would focus on developing world-class talent, advancing cutting-edge research and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and government. The AI Hub, he added, will function as an incubation centre to support startups, companies and researchers working on AI-driven innovations.
Describing Artificial Intelligence as a transformative force, he said it is comparable to historic technological breakthroughs such as the steam engine, electricity, and the internet. He highlighted Bengaluru’s position as a global innovation hub and said Karnataka aims to become a leading centre for responsible AI. He said AI would be used to improve education, healthcare, agriculture and citizen services, enabling faster and more efficient delivery.
Highlighting Karnataka’s technological strength, Shivakumar said the state accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India’s software exports, hosts over 17,000 startups and is home to numerous Global Capability Centres developing products for international markets. He affirmed that his government will continue expanding digital infrastructure, including data centres and advanced computing systems, to support AI innovation, cloud technologies and next-generation digital services.
Inviting Google to deepen its engagement with the state, Shivakumar acknowledged the company’s long-standing presence in Bengaluru and its contributions to engineering and innovation. He noted that widely used platforms such as Search, Android, YouTube, Maps, Chrome, Gmail, and Google Pay have significantly transformed how people access information and services.
The chief minister also proposed collaboration with Google across key sectors, including developing AI solutions for education, healthcare, agriculture and small businesses, expanding learning opportunities, supporting startups, and positioning Karnataka as a global hub for responsible AI development.
Emphasising innovation and curiosity as key drivers of progress, Shivakumar urged developers, entrepreneurs and students to embrace bold ideas and continuous learning. He reiterated that Karnataka will focus on ensuring AI development remains inclusive, responsible and globally competitive, while positioning the state as a leading destination for AI research, infrastructure and investment.
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