Karnataka is taking a major step toward building future-ready talent by setting up 50 artificial intelligence laboratories in government colleges across the state. The initiative is designed to widen access to emerging technologies and strengthen the state’s pipeline of digitally skilled students.
Focus on Smaller Cities
The programme, announced in the Karnataka State Budget 2026–27, will be carried out in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission. It is aimed especially at students in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where access to advanced technology education has traditionally been limited.
Hands-On Learning in AI
The new labs will provide practical exposure to artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and other advanced technologies. Through project-based learning, experimentation, and skill-building modules, the government hopes to make students more industry-ready and better prepared for jobs in the digital economy.
Building Employable Talent
Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and E-Governance, said the initiative is meant to ensure that technology education is not restricted to large urban centres. He stressed that students outside major cities must also have the chance to develop relevant skills and participate in India’s technology-led growth.
Funding and Rollout
Under the IndiaAI Mission, each lab will receive ₹68.98 lakh over three years, released in three instalments. The Karnataka government has also sanctioned ₹10 crore for the project, with ₹6.29 crore allocated for the first year. In the first phase, 23 educational institutions have already been cleared to set up AI data laboratories.
Part of a Larger Vision
The move reflects Karnataka’s broader ambition to deepen its innovation ecosystem and extend advanced digital infrastructure beyond metropolitan hubs. By bringing AI learning closer to government college students, the state is betting on inclusion as a route to long-term technological leadership.
