Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s prominent states, is poised to embark on a groundbreaking initiative by establishing the country’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) city in the capital city of Lucknow. The endeavor is orchestrated by the UP Electronics Corporation Ltd, designated as the nodal agency overseeing the development. A recent expression of interest (EoI) has been unveiled, soliciting proposals for the comprehensive design, development, and operation of this visionary AI city in Lucknow, marking a pivotal step toward fostering and advancing the burgeoning AI ecosystem in India.
The envisioned AI city aspires to be a vibrant and dynamic hub, serving as a nucleus where innovative ideas flourish. The overarching blueprint includes the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, research centers, and educational institutions. The EoI specifically targets real estate developers, inviting their participation in the collaborative effort to construct and manage the AI city, with a strategic emphasis on nurturing the workforce of the future.
Lucknow, already home to Centers of Excellence specializing in fields such as AI and medical technology, stands as a testament to the substantial integration of AI technologies within the region. The AI Centre of Excellence at IIIT Lucknow plays a pivotal role in supporting over 15 AI/ML startups, contributing significantly to the development of a vibrant culture of creativity and entrepreneurship in the area.
The global AI market, valued at $137 billion in 2022, is anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030, as per a report by Grand View Research. In alignment with this trajectory, the proposed AI city aims to encompass Grade-A certified commercial spaces for IT companies, a state-of-the-art data center, Grade-A flexible workspaces, and cutting-edge tech labs, as outlined in a report from Outlook.
The Department of IT and Electronics has identified potential land parcels in strategic locations across Lucknow for the development of the AI city. Notably, a 40-acre land parcel in the Nadarganj industrial area has been earmarked for its strategic significance, situated in proximity to key infrastructure and providing connectivity to the Lucknow-Kanpur road and the Lucknow International Airport.
This ambitious undertaking coincides with the rising prominence of Generative AI (Gen AI) as a buzzword within the Indian entrepreneurial landscape. Presently, more than 70 Gen AI startups in India have collectively raised capital exceeding $440 million between 2019 and Q3 2023, as per Inc42 data. Projections indicate that the indigenous Gen AI market is poised to burgeon to a substantial $17 billion by 2030, up from $1.1 billion in 2023.
Concurrently, the government is actively engaged in formulating regulations for AI, aiming to foster its growth, safeguard interests, and promote innovation in India. IT Secretary S Krishnan has underscored the initiation of this regulatory process by the central government. Minister of State for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has recently affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting and funding AI startups in the country, underscoring the increasing centrality of AI in the global landscape.
In conclusion, the proposed AI city in Lucknow stands as a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s visionary approach to embracing and advancing AI technology. With a strategic focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors, this initiative not only aims to cultivate a conducive environment for AI innovation but also positions Lucknow as a key player in the global AI landscape. As India takes decisive steps toward the regulation and support of AI, the proposed AI city emerges as a beacon of progress, heralding a new era of technological excellence in the heart of the country.
