Uttar Pradesh Aims to Become AI Hub as CII Summit Brings Together Policymakers and Industry Leaders
Uttar Pradesh has outlined its ambition to emerge as a leading artificial intelligence (AI) hub, with government officials and industry leaders highlighting the state’s plans to strengthen innovation, digital infrastructure and workforce development during the CII Uttar Pradesh AI Tech Summit 2026 in Lucknow.
Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, in association with the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of IT and Electronics, the summit brought together policymakers, technology experts, startups, industry representatives and academia. The discussions focused on the growing role of AI in driving innovation, economic growth and digital transformation across multiple sectors.
Government Highlights AI Vision
Addressing the summit, Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma said artificial intelligence had become a necessity rather than a technology of the future. He noted that AI presents significant opportunities across governance, business, education, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.
Furthermore, Sharma said the state remained committed to building a robust AI ecosystem by encouraging innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting startups and developing a future-ready workforce. He added that collaboration between the government, industry and academic institutions would play a central role in achieving these objectives.
Lucknow Positioned as an AI City
Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Alok Kumar said Uttar Pradesh is establishing two Deep Tech Hubs while advancing its vision of developing Lucknow as an AI City. According to him, the initiative aims to promote innovation, research and AI-driven entrepreneurship across the state.
He also urged industry stakeholders to collaborate in curriculum development, training programmes, internships and mentorship initiatives. Such partnerships, he said, would help prepare students and young professionals for careers in AI-driven industries and support the state’s long-term technology goals.
Industry Leaders Back AI Growth
CII Uttar Pradesh Chairman and Avadh Rail Infra Ltd Managing Director Abhishek Saraff said artificial intelligence represents the foundation of the next phase of industrial transformation. He added that Uttar Pradesh has an opportunity to establish itself as a national leader in the AI sector.
Saraff further said CII would continue working with the government, industry, academia and startups to promote responsible AI adoption, encourage innovation and strengthen skill development across the state.
Meanwhile, ADROSONIC CEO and Managing Director Mayank said Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and technology-led innovation. He attributed this progress to supportive government policies, expanding infrastructure and a growing industrial ecosystem. He also encouraged businesses to adopt AI and Industry 4.0 technologies while investing in innovation and workforce upskilling.
Experts Stress Talent and Trust
InMobi Global Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Policy Officer Dr Subi Chaturvedi said Uttar Pradesh has the potential to become a leading AI hub, with Lucknow expected to play an important role in nurturing the next generation of technology leaders.
She said building an AI-first future requires a strong foundation based on five key pillars: compute, data, talent, applications and trust.
Similarly, Tata Consultancy Services Head of Zonal Operations (NGM) Dr Ajai Kumar Singh said Uttar Pradesh is steadily emerging as India’s AI powerhouse, supported by progressive government policies, an expanding startup ecosystem and increasing industry participation. He added that the vision of developing Lucknow as India’s AI City could position the state as a leading destination for AI-driven innovation, talent development and technology-led economic growth.