Delhi’s government in India t is launching a new initiative to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) innovation by establishing two Centres of Excellence (AI-CoEs) as part of the IndiaAI Mission, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The AI-CoEs are intended for research while also supporting AI startups through incubation, mentorship, and access to technology infrastructure, with around 100 startups expected to be supported.
The centres are being positioned as ecosystem-building platforms rather than standalone research facilities.
The project will be funded jointly by the central government, the Delhi government, and partners from industry and academia, with an estimated allocation of ₹20 crore per centre and a 40:40:20 funding split between MeitY, the Delhi government, and industry/academia partners. Universities like Netaji Subhas University of Technology and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University will act as implementation and operational hubs in building and running these centres.
Developing skills is another one of the main priorities for this initiative. The government of Delhi will train more than seven thousand individuals over four years in artificial intelligence and related areas, framing the effort as part of a broader AI talent pipeline. These individuals will develop the necessary skills to enter into future employment opportunities. The centres will also support the use of AI in governance and public service delivery, according to official statements.
Additionally, this initiative is expected to create up to one thousand jobs, including indirect employment.
According to Pankaj Kumar Singh, the Minister of Information Technology in Delhi, the initiative is aimed at promoting innovation and improving citizen services through AI. He said Delhi is “taking a decisive leap into the future” with investments in AI to drive innovation and economic growth, while ensuring technology improves citizens’ lives.
Official messaging from the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office has also framed the initiative as part of a broader push to position the capital as an AI hub.
