Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the first Centre of Excellence in Purvanchal at Gorakhpur, marking a major step toward strengthening technical education, innovation, and industry collaboration in the region.
The event was attended by Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and MP Ravi Kishan, along with other dignitaries. The Chief Minister also inspected the newly developed facility at Maharana Pratap Institute of Technology (MPIT).
Centre Developed in Collaboration with TCS
The Centre of Excellence has been established with the support of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and aims to boost advanced learning in emerging technologies.
CM Yogi also highlighted Tata Group’s contribution to India’s industrial growth, stating that the company represents trust and quality and has played a key role in strengthening the automobile sector in India.
Focus on AI, Cyber Security, Drone and Space Technology
The newly inaugurated centre includes advanced labs and training facilities in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cyber Security
- Drone Technology
- Space Technology
- 3D Printing
The total project cost is estimated at around ₹50 crore, with major investments across infrastructure, AI labs, drone centre, and cybersecurity facilities.
An “AI Awareness for All” training workshop was also launched, which aims to create a record for participation.
MoU Signed Between UPSIFS and MPIT
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UPSIFS (Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science) and MPIT.
The collaboration aims to:
- Strengthen forensic science education
- Enhance cyber security training
- Support modern policing and investigation systems
CM Yogi emphasized that forensic science will play a crucial role under the new criminal laws, where scientific evidence is increasingly important.
AI and Technology Transforming Governance and Agriculture
The Chief Minister highlighted how AI and technology have transformed governance in Uttar Pradesh:
Key Highlights:
- AI helped identify causes of encephalitis linked to cleanliness and safe drinking water
- Dropout rate among girls reduced by improving school infrastructure, especially toilets
- Digital systems eliminated corruption in sugarcane procurement
He also said drone technology can revolutionize agriculture, enabling:
- Faster spraying of crops
- Efficient healthcare logistics in emergencies
- Strong applications in defence and industrial sectors
Chandrasekaran Highlights AI’s Future Role
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said that AI will significantly transform sectors like healthcare, drug discovery, and cybersecurity in the coming decades.
He added that:
- India will lead global research due to its talent and challenges
- AI will help develop advanced treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes
- Uttar Pradesh has strong potential in manufacturing, startups, and electronics production
UP Emerging as Industrial and Tech Hub
CM Yogi stated that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a technology and industrial hub:
- 55% of India’s mobile manufacturing takes place in UP
- Over 32,000 factories operate in the state
- More than 22,000 startups are active in the ecosystem
He added that technology-driven governance has improved transparency, reduced corruption, and boosted efficiency across sectors.
Vision for 2047: Developed Uttar Pradesh and India
The event aligned with the “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Uttar Pradesh 2047” vision, focusing on:
- Skill development
- Innovation-driven economy
- Industry-academia collaboration
CM Yogi stressed that AI is a necessity of the present and future, urging students and professionals to actively engage with emerging technologies.
Visit to Gorakhnath Temple
On the occasion, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran also visited the Gorakhnath Temple, where CM Yogi Adityanath explained the traditions of Nath sect and offered a spiritual tour of the temple premises
The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Gorakhpur marks a major milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s push toward becoming a leader in AI, cyber security, and advanced technologies. The initiative is expected to open new opportunities for students in Purvanchal and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
