Karnataka to set up India's first government-run AI university, announces CM Shivakumar

Karnataka will establish India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on July 14. Speaking at the 'Google I/O Connect India 2026' event in Bengaluru, he also said the government will create an AI Hub to serve as an incubation centre for AI research and development by start-ups and companies.

The proposed university aims to build world-class AI talent, advance research, and strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Mr. Shivakumar described artificial intelligence as the defining technological revolution of the present generation, comparing its impact to that of the steam engine, electricity, the internet, and mobile technology.

He highlighted Bengaluru's role as India's technology capital, home to over 17,000 start-ups and Global Capability Centres, and noted that Karnataka contributes nearly 40% of India's software exports. The state's vision, he said, is to become an 'AI-native State', where AI is used responsibly to improve governance and daily life—helping teachers teach better, doctors diagnose diseases earlier, farmers receive better advice, citizens access government services efficiently, and small businesses compete confidently.

Mr. Shivakumar praised Google's long-standing partnership with Karnataka, noting that the company has chosen Bengaluru as a key global centre for engineering, research, and innovation for over two decades. He invited Google to collaborate on building AI solutions for education, healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, urban mobility, and governance.