Karnataka approves AI centre of excellence to drive deeptech innovation in Bengaluru

Karnataka approved the establishment of an artificial intelligence centre of excellence (AI-CoE) on Thursday to accelerate AI adoption, deeptech innovation, and digital transformation across sectors.

The state plans to establish the facility, named the Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions (CATS), in Bengaluru in partnership with NASSCOM.

The project requires an outlay of Rs 20 crore over four years. The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) and the state government provide most of the funding, while industry partners contribute a portion, according to a release issued by the IT/BT department.


The initiative supports the state's innovation ecosystem, including startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), research institutions, and academia. CATS also plans to collaborate with global technology and industry leaders, the release added.

The facility focuses on priority areas, including AI, robotics and automation, supply chain optimisation, and digital transformation.

Over the next four years, CATS plans to establish advanced laboratories and testing facilities, support deeptech startups, and facilitate proofs-of-concept, industry collaborations, and technology commercialisation.

Speaking on the announcement, IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge said, "This is the state's deeptech decade... By bringing government, academia, and industry together, we are building a pipeline from research to market-ready solutions."

The Centre tracks its performance through key indicators, including the number of startups it incubates, prototypes it develops, intellectual property filings, industry collaborations, and skilled professionals it trains.

The establishment marks a significant milestone in the state's journey towards becoming India's leading hub for applied AI, Industry 4.0 technologies, and breakthrough technological development, the release said.