Karnataka to Establish India's First Government AI University

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on July 14, 2026, that Karnataka will establish India's first government-driven artificial intelligence university and a corresponding AI Hub. Speaking at the inauguration of Google I/O Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru, Shivakumar detailed a strategy to transform Karnataka into an "AI-native" state by integrating the technology into healthcare, education, agriculture, and general governance.

The university is intended to develop world-class talent and research through collaborations between academia, industry, and the state. Complementing this, the AI Hub will function as an incubation center for startups and academic institutions. To support the necessary digital infrastructure, the state will develop next-generation green data centers located near Bengaluru and within a coastal district.

Shivakumar invited Google to deepen its partnership with the state to create AI solutions for public service delivery, urban mobility, and climate resilience. He emphasized that the technological expansion must remain inclusive and trusted to ensure that AI improves the quality of government services and competitiveness for small businesses.