Karnataka to set up AI Hub at IIIT Bangalore with Rs 35 crore outlay: Kharge

The Karnataka government has proposed setting up the Artificial Intelligence Hub at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bangalore with an outlay of Rs 35 crore, Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge said. The proposed AI Hub will combine AI skilling, startup support and advanced research as part of Karnataka’s plans to establish an AI University.

In a post on X, Priyank Kharge said the initiative will focus on developing the talent, research and innovation ecosystem needed to strengthen Karnataka's position in artificial intelligence.

Kharge said, “Karnataka is laying the foundation for its AI University with the proposed Karnataka Artificial Intelligence Hub at IIIT Bangalore.”

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Karnataka AI Hub to offer AI skilling programmes

The AI Hub will offer industry-aligned certification and finishing-school programmes for students, graduates and job seekers. The programmes are aimed at preparing learners for emerging opportunities in the AI sector.

The initiative will also focus on bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by providing skills relevant to the growing AI job market.

AI startup and entrepreneurship hub

The proposed facility will include an AI startup and entrepreneurship hub to support innovators and emerging companies.

According to Kharge, the startup hub will provide incubation, mentoring, industry connections and market access to AI innovators. The initiative is expected to create a platform where startups can develop and scale AI-based solutions with support from industry and other stakeholders.

AI Living Lab for research and real-world solutions

Another key component of the proposed hub will be an AI Living Lab, supported by compute infrastructure and real-world testbeds. The lab will enable researchers, startups, industry and government to develop and validate practical AI solutions. This is expected to provide opportunities to test technologies in real-world settings before wider deployment.

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Kharge said the state is aiming to build capabilities across talent development, research and innovation.

He said, “We are building the talent, research and innovation capabilities that will power Karnataka’s AI future and help translate homegrown technology into meaningful economic and societal impact.”

The proposed Karnataka AI Hub at IIIT Bangalore is expected to serve as an integrated platform connecting AI education, research, entrepreneurship and practical applications, strengthening the state's broader plans for an AI-focused ecosystem.