Karnataka finalising comprehensive Data Centre Policy to support AI infrastructure

Bengaluru: Karnataka is finalising a comprehensive Data Centre Policy to support the infrastructure requirements of artificial intelligence and next-generation computing.

Financial adviser to the chief minister DK Shivakumar, LK Atheeq, said on Wednesday that the policy would create the digital infrastructure required to support AI-led innovation and next-generation computing, while complementing the state's broader AI vision, said the IT/BT department in a statement.

Atheeq said this while speaking at the inaugural edition of the Global Capability Centres (GCC) summit in Bengaluru. The summit brought together more than 500 delegates, representatives from over 200 GCCs and multinational enterprises, the statement said.


The discussions centred on artificial intelligence, talent, digital infrastructure, innovation, enterprise transformation and state’s roadmap to strengthen its leadership as India's premier GCC destination.

Atheeq said there are plans to establish India's first public sector-led AI University and a world-class AI Hub to advance AI research, innovation and commercialisation.

He said a Vision Group for the AI University will be constituted shortly with significant participation from the private sector, while reaffirming the state's commitment to expanding GCC growth beyond Bengaluru into emerging technology clusters across Karnataka.

He said the state's dedicated GCC Policy, NIPUNA-the government's flagship skilling initiative for emerging technologies--and KATALYST, Karnataka's dedicated facilitation mechanism for Global Capability Centres, are key pillars supporting the state's next phase of GCC growth through future-ready talent, innovation and industry facilitation.

Today, the state hosts around 1,100 GCC units employing nearly 6.6 lakh professionals, making it one of the largest and most mature GCC ecosystems in the world. Karnataka was the first state in India to launch a dedicated GCC Policy, for 2024-2029, the statement said.

"Our objective is not only to strengthen Bengaluru's position as the GCC capital of India, but also to create opportunities for the next wave of growth across the state," Atheeq said.