Bengaluru, July 14: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced today the establishment of India’s first government artificial intelligence (AI) university in the state. Alongside this, an AI hub will be created to foster collaboration among startups, researchers, and companies working on new technologies.
The announcement was made during the Google I/O Connect India 2026 event held in Bengaluru. The proposed AI university aims to produce globally recognized AI experts, offering students modern technology education and opportunities to engage with research and industry. This initiative is expected to enhance coordination between universities, industries, and the government.
The main campus of the AI university will be developed over approximately 100 acres in Bengaluru, with regional campuses planned for Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Hubli-Dharwad, Mangaluru, and Mysuru.
Shivakumar emphasized the government’s goal to improve education, healthcare, and advisory services for farmers, making public services faster and more transparent through AI. He described AI as the most significant technological revolution of the current generation, comparable to the steam engine, electricity, the internet, and mobile technology.
Karnataka contributes 40% to India’s software exports, with over 17,000 startups and numerous Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Bengaluru, which design products for the global market. The government’s vision is to make Karnataka an AI-native state, enhancing governance and public service delivery through artificial intelligence.
The Chief Minister praised the two-decade-long partnership with Google, highlighting Bengaluru’s role as a major global engineering, research, and innovation center. He noted that products like Search, Android, YouTube, Maps, Chrome, Gmail, and Google Pay have transformed how Indians access information, conduct business, and utilize government services.
The establishment of the AI university is expected to provide students with opportunities to learn ultra-modern technologies and collaborate with startups and major tech companies. The government believes this initiative will be a significant step towards making Karnataka a global hub for responsible and trustworthy AI development.