Karnataka launches ₹20 crore AI Centre of Excellence to accelerate deeptech innovation

Karnataka Government Approves AI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

The Karnataka government has cleared the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence designed to accelerate deeptech innovation and AI adoption across multiple sectors2

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. Named the Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions, or CATS, the facility will be set up at the KEONICS facility in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, in partnership with NASSCOM. The ₹20 crore project will be funded through a 40:40:20 model over four years, with contributions from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Government of Karnataka, and industry partners.

Focus Areas and Strategic Priorities for Digital Transformation

CATS will concentrate on priority areas including AI, robotics, automation, supply chain optimization, and digital transformation. The initiative aims to strengthen Karnataka's innovation ecosystem by providing support for startups and MSMEs, along with industry players, research institutions, and research and academia. Over the next four years, the centre plans to establish advanced laboratories and testing facilities while supporting deep-tech startups through proof-of-concepts and technology commercialisation. Industry collaborations with global technology leaders are also envisaged as part of the initiative's roadmap.

Building a Pipeline from Research to Market-Ready Solutions

IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, "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". He added that by bringing government, academia, and industry together, the state is building a pipeline from research to market-ready innovation. The facility will track key performance indicators including the number of startups incubated, prototypes developed, intellectual property filings, industry collaborations, and professionals trained, with year-wise growth targets to ensure measurable outcomes.

Positioning Karnataka as India's Applied AI Hub

The establishment of CATS marks a significant milestone in Karnataka's journey toward becoming India's leading hub for applied AI and Industry 4.0 technologies2

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. This move positions the state to compete more effectively in the global AI landscape while creating opportunities for local talent and enterprises. The centre's focus on practical applications and commercialization suggests a shift toward translating research into tangible business outcomes, which could attract more investment and talent to Bengaluru's already thriving tech ecosystem. As the facility begins operations, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how effectively it bridges the gap between academic research and industry needs, particularly in emerging areas like robotics and automation.