The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to establish India’s inaugural AI city in Lucknow, aimed at nurturing and advancing the AI ecosystem. The initiative, led by UP Electronics Corporation Ltd, the project’s nodal agency, has issued an expression of interest (EoI) soliciting proposals for the design, development, and operation of this groundbreaking AI city.

The envisioned AI city aspires to be a dynamic hub fostering innovative ideas, incorporating state-of-the-art technology, research facilities, and educational institutions. The EoI invites real estate developers to actively participate in constructing and managing the AI city, with the goal of cultivating the workforce of the future. 

Lucknow already hosts Centers of Excellence specialising in AI and medtech, showcasing significant integration of AI technologies. The AI Centre of Excellence at IIIT Lucknow plays a pivotal role in supporting over 15 AI/ML startups, contributing to the development of a vibrant culture of creativity and entrepreneurship. 

Furthermore, a report underscores the planned AI city’s components, including Grade-A certified commercial spaces for IT firms, data centre, Grade-A flexible workspaces, and technology laboratories. 

The IT and Electronics Department has identified potential land parcels in strategic locations across Lucknow for the AI city’s development, with a 40-acre parcel in the Nadarganj industrial area being of particular significance due to its proximity to key infrastructure and connectivity to the Lucknow-Kanpur road and the Lucknow International Airport.

India boasts over 70 generative AI startups that have raised over $440 million in capital between 2019 and Q3 2023. The domestic generative AI market is anticipated to expand from $1.1 billion in 2023 to $17 billion by 2030.

The government of UP has embarked on a mission to achieve a $1 trillion economy within the next five years, with a specific focus on the IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) sectors as pivotal drivers for economic growth. UP, ranking as the sixth-largest state in terms of the IT ecosystem, is also recognised for hosting a substantial number of startups within India.

Noida is emerging as a global hub for IT and ITeS, and UP aims to enhance this sector by fostering Tier 2 cities like Lucknow, identified by prominent IT industry associations as emerging technology hubs. EoI document emphasises the strategic role of AI as a key driver for global growth in the IT and ITeS sectors, which the state intends to capitalise on.

Lucknow already boasts the presence of major IT players, including HCL and TCS, contributing to a flourishing tech ecosystem. The city’s tech landscape is further enriched by a skilled workforce, comprising over 75,000 tech professionals, 23,000 STEM graduates, and 300+ colleges, featuring esteemed institutions like IIM-Lucknow, IIIT-Lucknow, BBDU, and Amity, as highlighted in the EoI.

Simultaneously, the government is actively addressing AI data and regulation issues. The central government has initiated the formulation of regulations to foster the growth, safeguard interests, and promote innovation in the AI sector, as per IT Secretary S Krishnan. 

Minister of State (MoS) for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s recent announcement of plans to fund and support AI startups in the country is also going to foster the AI ecosystem.