Karnataka approves setting up of AI Centre of Excellence

Bengaluru: The Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, has approved the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI-CoE), named Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions (CATS ), to accelerate AI adoption, Industry 4.0 innovation, and digital transformation across sectors.

The Centre will be established at the KEONICS facility in HSR Layout in partnership with NASSCOM, with a total outlay of Rs 20 crore over four years. The funding will follow a 40:40:20 model with contributions from MeitY, Government of Karnataka, and industry partners, the department said in a statement.

The AI-CoE will focus on priority areas including AI, robotics and automation, supply-chain optimisation, and digital transformation. The initiative aims to strengthen Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem by supporting start-ups, MSMEs, industry players, research institutions, and academia.

FILE PHOTO: A message reading "AI artificial intelligence" a keyboard and robot hands are seen in this illustration taken January 27 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

The initiative envisages collaboration with global technology and industry leaders. Over the next four years, the Centre is expected to establish advanced laboratories and testing facilities, support deeptech startups, and facilitate proof-of-concepts, industry collaborations, and technology commercialisation.

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, said, “This is Karnataka’s deep tech decade, and the CATS AI Centre of Excellence will be a launchpad for deep-tech start-ups and industry collaborations. By bringing government, academia, and industry together, we are building a pipeline from research to market-ready innovation.”