Karnataka to set up India’s first government-run AI university: CM

Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar addresses this rally after inaugurating ‘Google I/O Connect India 2026’ in Bengaluru on July 14, 2026. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Karnataka will set up India’s first government-run artificial intelligence (AI) university, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced. He also announced that the government will set up an AI Hub as an incubation center for AI research and development by start-ups, companies and others.

Inaugurating ‘Google I/O Connect India 2026’ in Bengaluru on July 14, Mr. Shivakumar said the proposed university will play a key role in building world-class AI talent, advancing research and strengthening academia-industry-government collaboration.

Addressing technology leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, developers, researchers and politicians from across India and the world, the Chief Minister said that artificial intelligence is the defining technological revolution of the current generation, comparable to the transformative impact of the steam engine, electricity, internet and mobile technologies.

“Bengaluru is not only the technology capital of India, but one of the most vibrant innovation ecosystems in the world. Karnataka’s vision is to build one of the world’s leading centers for responsible artificial intelligence,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said Karnataka accounts for nearly 40% of India’s software exports, while Bengaluru is home to more than 17,000 start-ups and global capacity centers.

He said the state’s ambition is to become an AI-native state where artificial intelligence is used responsibly to improve governance and daily life rather than remaining a technological slogan. “Artificial intelligence must help teachers teach better, doctors diagnose diseases earlier, farmers get better advice, citizens access government services with dignity and speed, and small businesses can compete with confidence,” he said.

The Chief Minister praised Google for its long-standing partnership with Karnataka and noted that the company has chosen Bengaluru as one of its most important global centers for engineering, research and innovation for more than two decades.

Urging Google to work with Karnataka to create AI solutions for education, healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, urban mobility and governance, Mr. Shivakumar called for strengthening the partnership. He said Karnataka will continue to shape the future of technology while ensuring that AI remains innovative, inclusive and trustworthy.

Published – 14 Jul 2026 11:44 IST