Karnataka to Launch Dedicated AI Policy Cell

The new AI cell is part of a broader, state-level IT policy for 2025-2030, which aims to distribute tech growth beyond Bengaluru to cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad. This strategy includes developing "Technoverse" campuses—integrated technology hubs with advanced R&D labs and innovation zones—to support this expansion. The policy is backed by a ₹967 crore incentive scheme to attract investments with a special focus on AI. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's 2025 budget introduced the Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions (CATS), allocating ₹50 crore over five years to establish Karnataka as a leader in AI-driven governance. This is part of a larger financial commitment that includes a ₹300 crore fund-of-funds for startups and a ₹100 crore fund specifically for deep-tech enterprises. The AI cell is already developing practical tools using computer vision, NLP, and LLMs. One key project is an AI-based tool to summarize government orders and extract information, making official documents more accessible. Another is the AI-driven Integrated Public Grievance Redressal System (IPGRS 2.0) designed to handle public complaints more efficiently. This policy push extends beyond governance into sectors like agriculture and education. Digital Agricultural Service Centres will use AI and geospatial tech to help farmers with crop decisions. In education, the 'Kalika Deepa' program, in collaboration with Nandan Nilekani's EkStep Foundation, will be deployed in 2,000 schools to improve learning outcomes. The government is also addressing the ethical implications of AI. IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge has spoken about establishing a "Responsible Use of AI" framework, bringing together technologists, legal experts, and industry stakeholders. This framework will tackle issues like job disruption, intellectual property rights for AI-generated content, and the risks of deepfakes. To build the talent pipeline, the state aims to train five lakh graduates annually in AI-related technologies through new centers of excellence. This focus on skilling is part of a broader vision to transition Karnataka from a service-led IT model to one driven by original IP ownership and global leadership in creative technologies. This initiative is part of a national strategy, with the central government's IndiaAI mission focused on creating a comprehensive AI ecosystem. Karnataka's policy aligns with the national goals of leveraging AI for inclusive growth in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education, a strategy first outlined in 2018. For the startup ecosystem, this policy provides significant opportunities. The Startup Policy 2025-2030, with an outlay of ₹518 crore, aims to support 25,000 startups in deep-tech domains like AI. Programs like 'Elevate' offer grants of up to ₹50 lakh to support the creation of original intellectual property, with a specific focus on startups in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector.