Key facts
- Karnataka will establish 50 artificial intelligence (AI) labs in government colleges.
- The initiative aims to improve employability and provide emerging tech skills in smaller cities.
- The program is a collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission.
- Each lab will receive approximately Rs 69 lakh over three years.
- The state government has allocated Rs 10 crore for the project.
- The first phase includes 23 educational institutions.
Karnataka has approved the establishment of 50 artificial intelligence (AI) labs in government colleges across the state as part of its 2026-27 budget. The initiative aims to enhance emerging technology skills and improve employability among students in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
According to Karnataka IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge, the program seeks to ensure that opportunities to acquire skills in AI, machine learning, and data science are accessible beyond major urban centers. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the union government's IndiaAI Mission.
Selected colleges will be equipped with AI-enabled laboratory infrastructure to support practical learning and innovation. Each lab will receive financial assistance of approximately Rs 69 lakh over three years, released in three installments. The state government has allocated Rs 10 crore for the initiative, with over Rs 6 crore to be released in the first year. In the first phase, 23 educational institutions have been cleared for the establishment of these AI labs. The government expects this initiative to strengthen Karnataka's innovation ecosystem and create a larger pool of industry-ready talent.