Karnataka has announced a series of technology-focused initiatives, including the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence University, a policy to expand technology investments beyond Bengaluru, and new digital infrastructure projects, as the state looks to strengthen its position as India's leading technology hub.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar unveiled the plans during a breakfast meeting with industry leaders ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026. Addressing CEOs, entrepreneurs and senior technology executives, he said the government would introduce a new policy within the next 100 days to encourage companies to set up operations in cities beyond Bengaluru by offering world-class office infrastructure at affordable costs.
According to Shivakumar, the policy aims to drive balanced regional growth by creating new technology and innovation centres across Karnataka. Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru and Belagavi have been identified as key destinations for future technology investments, reducing the concentration of economic activity in Bengaluru while strengthening the state's overall digital ecosystem.
A key announcement was the proposed AI University, which the government intends to develop in partnership with industry rather than as a government-only initiative. The university will focus on AI education, research, innovation and collaboration between academia, enterprises and policymakers. Shivakumar said discussions have already begun with Google regarding industry participation in shaping the institution and supporting its long-term development.
The Chief Minister said the proposed university is envisioned as a centre for learning and innovation that will also expand access to AI education. He added that the government plans to introduce AI learning opportunities for students from Class 6 onwards, reflecting the state's broader ambition to build an AI-ready workforce from an early stage.
Alongside the university, Karnataka announced the Bengaluru Robotics and Innovation Zone and the Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026-31. The data centre policy is expected to support the development of environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure through incentives related to land availability, power, renewable energy, connectivity and water resources. These initiatives form part of Karnataka's strategy to attract investments in AI, cloud computing and advanced digital technologies.
Highlighting the state's technology ecosystem, Shivakumar noted that Karnataka's software exports have crossed ₹4.36 lakh crore and are expected to exceed ₹5.5 lakh crore during the current year. He also pointed to the evolution of Global Capability Centres in the state, saying they have increasingly shifted from traditional back-office operations to centres for product engineering, innovation and high-value research.
The announcements build on Karnataka's earlier vision of becoming an "AI-native" state, where artificial intelligence supports governance, education, healthcare, agriculture and citizen services. Earlier this month, the government also outlined plans for India's first government-driven AI University and an AI Hub to strengthen research, startup incubation and industry collaboration in artificial intelligence.
Industry observers view the latest measures as part of Karnataka's effort to decentralise technology-led economic growth while addressing infrastructure pressures in Bengaluru. Expanding technology investments into tier II cities could help create new employment opportunities, strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and attract additional investments in emerging technologies.
With AI adoption accelerating across industries, the state's latest roadmap reflects a broader focus on building long-term capabilities through education, infrastructure and public-private partnerships. The proposed AI University, regional technology hubs and sustainable digital infrastructure initiatives are expected to play a central role in Karnataka's strategy to remain a leading destination for AI innovation and enterprise technology investment.