Archive · 31 Jul 2026
India Approves 58 AI Centres, 543 Labs to Build Talent
India’s government has decided to build a big network of places where people can learn and work with artificial intelligence.
They will set up 58 special centres and 543 labs in schools and colleges outside the big cities.
The plan also gives money to students and helps start‑ups make new AI tools.
They have already found 762 ways AI can help government work better, like in health and farming.
The government wants to make sure AI is safe and useful for everyone.
Union government approved 58 AI Centres of Excellence across states and Union Territories.
543 Data & AI Labs will be set up in ITIs and polytechnics in tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities.
IndiaAI Mission identified 762 AI use cases across 62 ministries and departments.
686 fellowships awarded nationwide, including 162 for Tamil Nadu students.
Innovation challenges and hackathons have shortlisted 30 solutions for pilot deployment.
- Who
- Union government, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada
- What
- Approved 58 AI Centres of Excellence and 543 Data & AI Labs, and identified 762 AI use cases
- When
- July 2026, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament
- Where
- India, across states and Union Territories, especially tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities
- Why
- To democratise AI talent, support AI‑led governance, and strengthen India’s position as a global AI hub
- AI Centres of Excellence
- 58
- Data & AI Labs
- 543
- AI Use Cases Identified
- 762
- Fellowships Awarded
- 686
- State with Most Labs
- Tamil Nadu (18 labs)