Karnataka approves 50 AI labs in government colleges

Karnataka has approved the establishment of 50 artificial intelligence (AI) labs in government colleges across the state.

The initiative, announced in the 2026-27 budget, aims to expand access to emerging tech skills and improve employability among students in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the government said in a statement.

"The future of employment will be shaped by technology and opportunities to acquire such skills must be accessible beyond major urban centres’’, Karnataka IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge said in the statement.


The programme will be implemented in partnership with the union government's AI Mission. It aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills in AI, machine learning, data science, and other emerging technologies.

Selected colleges will be equipped with AI-enabled laboratory infrastructure to support practical learning, experimentation, innovation, and skill development, the statement said.

Under the IndiaAI Mission, each lab will receive financial assistance of about Rs 69 lakh over three years, to be released in three instalments.

The state government has also approved Rs 10 crore for the initiative, with over Rs 6 crore to be released in the first year.

The government has cleared 23 educational institutions in the first phase for the establishment of AI labs.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Karnataka's innovation ecosystem and create a larger pool of industry-ready talent across the state, said the statement.