Uttar Pradesh to launch state Quantum Mission, steps up push for AI and robotics

Uttar Pradesh is preparing to launch a state-level Quantum Mission as it steps up efforts to develop its artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and advanced technology ecosystem, Alok Kumar, principal secretary, IT and Electronics, said at the ETGovernment AI Vision Conclave in Lucknow on Friday.

The proposed mission will focus on building the state's capabilities in quantum technology, an emerging field that includes applications such as quantum computing and communication. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract investments, expand technology adoption and create opportunities for startups and businesses.

Kumar outlined the state's digital transformation agenda and its efforts to position Uttar Pradesh to benefit from developments in next-generation technologies. The proposed mission comes as the Centre pursues its National Quantum Mission to build indigenous capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication and related fields, while states explore strategies to participate in the emerging sector.


The conclave also saw state government representatives and industry leaders discuss investment, AI adoption, workforce preparedness and the role of technology in achieving Uttar Pradesh's long-term economic ambitions.

Awanish Kumar Awasthi, advisor to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, urged entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in the state, highlighting the importance of law and order in building investor confidence.

“Zero tolerance for crime is not merely a governance priority; it is the foundation for investor confidence, economic growth and a secure future for every citizen,” Awasthi said.

Human readiness key to AI adoption

India's ability to benefit from artificial intelligence will depend not only on technological progress but also on how prepared its people are to use it, Debjani Ghosh, chief architect, Frontier Tech Hub, and distinguished fellow at NITI Aayog, said.

“We must start with human readiness to take the leap. I'm sure India will show the way and UP will firmly lead on it,” she said.

Ghosh stressed the need to track emerging technology trends, including changes in funding, risks and opportunities, to understand how AI could evolve and reshape industries. She said her team was monitoring these developments to identify early signals that could help stakeholders prepare for future shifts in the technology landscape.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak called for the responsible use of AI, particularly in areas such as healthcare, where the technology is increasingly being deployed to improve service delivery. He urged entrepreneurs and startups to focus on innovations that address social challenges, while cautioning against excessive dependence on technology.

“Don't let AI take total charge of life. Use technology wisely,” Pathak said.

Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun said the state government was open to suggestions from AI startups, technology companies and academic institutions as it works on its AI policy framework. He invited industry participants to contribute through advisory, consultancy and collaborative engagements.

“Policy formulation cannot be left only to career bureaucrats. Your feedback and role are equally important,” Arun said.

Arun said the pace of AI development was outstripping that of the internet and that the government was working to address challenges faced by innovators. It was also seeking to reduce the time taken to resolve their problems from weeks or months to days, he said.

NSE seeks to bring more UP businesses to markets

Capital markets will be important to Uttar Pradesh's ambition of becoming a developed state by 2047, Ashishkumar Chauhan, managing director and chief executive officer of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), said.

The NSE is working with the state government to bring more businesses from Uttar Pradesh to the stock market, helping them raise capital, expand operations and create jobs, he said.

“The state’s investor base has grown to 1.6 crore, accounting for nearly 12% of the national investor base,” Chauhan said.

Uttar Pradesh added 11 lakh investors between April and September 2026, the highest number among all states, he said.

The NSE is also working with state governments to help micro, small and medium enterprises access capital markets and scale their businesses. Several emerging enterprises from Uttar Pradesh have already raised funds through stock market listings, Chauhan added.

Industry sees potential in AI, robotics and manufacturing

Industry representatives at the conclave highlighted Uttar Pradesh's potential to become a hub for AI adoption, robotics, advanced manufacturing and technology-led employment.

Raju Vegesna, chairman and managing director of Sify Technologies, said AI could drive inclusive growth if its benefits reached people across different sections of society. He said the company was looking to work with the state government on AI skilling for young people and preparing them for future employment opportunities.

"We believe AI can be a powerful force for inclusive growth. Working closely with the Government of UP, we look forward to advancing AI skilling for the state's youth, preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow, and enabling every citizen to benefit from the opportunities AI creates," he said.

He said the focus should be on preparing Uttar Pradesh's workforce for AI, encouraging innovation and widening participation in the digital economy.

“A Viksit Uttar Pradesh is integral to a Viksit Bharat. Sify is proud to be part of this journey,” Vegesna added.

Jalaj A Dani, chairman of Addverb Technologies and EndureAir Systems, co-promoter of Asian Paints and founder of Asiana AIF, said India's next phase of manufacturing growth would depend on integrating intelligence into industrial processes rather than relying primarily on lower labour costs or increased automation.

“India's next manufacturing revolution will be driven not by cheaper labour or more robots, but by the intelligence embedded in factories,” he said.

Dani welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government's approval of the PRAGATI Robotics Park in Greater Noida, calling it an important step towards building shared infrastructure for the country's robotics and AI ecosystem.

The proposed 69.5-acre park is expected to generate more than one lakh direct and indirect jobs and contribute around ₹2,000 crore in annual gross value added once it reaches full capacity, he said.

Dr S K Chadda, group president – corporate affairs at Hinduja Group, said the company remained committed to supporting Uttar Pradesh's ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy through investments and social development initiatives.

“The Hinduja Group remains committed to partnering with Uttar Pradesh in its journey towards becoming a $1 trillion economy, with its investments and social development initiatives spanning electric mobility, digital entrepreneurship, healthcare and education.”

Dr Subi Chaturvedi, global senior vice-president and chief public policy officer at InMobi, said the state government's focus on AI, skills and investment could help turn its young population into a source of innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.

“CM Yogi Adityanath’s emphasis on AI, skills and investment offers a powerful pathway towards Uttar Pradesh’s trillion-dollar ambition, turning young talent into innovation, enterprise and employment. Our responsibility is to make AI deliver on that promise: stronger livelihoods, greater opportunities for women and youth, and public services that improve everyday lives.”

Chaturvedi said InMobi had become the first deeptech company to open an office in Lucknow and that the company was committed to developing young talent into globally relevant innovators.

India’s 2047 ambition draws praise

Mariano Augustin Caucino, dean of the Diplomatic Corps and ambassador of Argentina to India, praised India's goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, saying a clearly defined national vision could help mobilise collective efforts.

Congratulating India on its progress, he said the country's achievements reflected the commitment of its people and governments at both the central and state levels.

“When a society establishes a goal, it can create systems and programmes to achieve it. India’s vision of becoming a developed country by 2047 is remarkable and something others can learn from,” Caucino said.