Lucknow: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, Digital India Corporation (DIC), under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO), Lucknow. The partnership aims to establish 65 Data and AI Labs across Uttar Pradesh under the ambitious IndiaAI Mission.
The initiative marks another milestone in the sustained efforts of the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government to transform Uttar Pradesh into a leading technology and innovation hub in the country.
MoU Exchanged Between Centre and State Leadership
The MoU was formally exchanged between Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Anurag Yadav, and Chief Executive Officer of the IndiaAI Mission, Abhishek Singh. Officials and experts present on the occasion described the agreement as a strong symbol of cooperation between the central and state governments in advancing emerging technologies.
The IndiaAI Mission functions as an independent unit under the Digital India Corporation and is tasked with accelerating AI adoption, innovation, and capacity building across the country.
65 Data & AI Labs Planned Across the State
Under the MoU, a total of 65 Data and AI Labs will be established across Uttar Pradesh in a phased manner. Currently, two IndiaAI Data and AI Labs are already operational at NIELIT centres in Lucknow and Gorakhpur. In addition, one Data and AI Lab has been set up in Pilibhit with support from an industry partner.
The state government has already approved the establishment of 49 additional Data and AI Labs, with implementation work underway. The remaining 13 locations will be identified in due course to complete the planned network of AI labs across the state.
Focus on Youth, Startups and Future-Ready Skills
In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, the Uttar Pradesh government has been consistently promoting digital governance, IT parks, data centres, startups, and advanced technologies over the past nine years. Preparing the youth for future-oriented fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Analytics remains a top priority.
Principal Secretary Anurag Yadav stated that the initiative under the IndiaAI Mission will play a crucial role in equipping the youth of Uttar Pradesh with future-ready digital and AI skills. He emphasized that the state government is effectively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to promote skill development, foster innovation, and generate new employment opportunities.
UPDESCO Named State Nodal Agency
UPDESCO Managing Director Neha Jain informed that for the implementation of the IndiaAI Mission project, the IT and Electronics Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as the nodal administrative department, while UPDESCO has been appointed as the state nodal agency.
She added that the upcoming Data and AI Labs will be equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced technical resources specifically designed for AI education and hands-on learning.
Hands-On AI Training and Innovation Ecosystem
These IndiaAI Data and AI Labs will provide students with practical, industry-aligned training using AI tools, datasets and real-time problem statements. The labs aim not only to enhance employability but also to encourage students and startups to develop innovative, solution-driven AI applications.
The initiative is expected to open new avenues of opportunity for students, youth and the startup ecosystem, while positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key contributor to India’s growing AI and digital economy.
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