“Uttar Pradesh has launched India’s first AI City in Lucknow, a 70-acre hub in Nadarganj to foster AI innovation. With ₹10,732 crore investment, it aims to attract tech giants, create jobs, and boost the economy. The project integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, research centers, and educational institutes to position Lucknow as a global AI leader.”
Lucknow Pioneers India’s First AI-Driven Tech Hub
In a groundbreaking move, Uttar Pradesh has officially launched India’s first AI City in Lucknow, a transformative project aimed at positioning the state capital as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. Spanning 70 acres in the Nadarganj Industrial Area near Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, the initiative is backed by a massive ₹10,732 crore investment, making it the largest technology infrastructure project in India to date. This ambitious venture, spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh Electronics Corporation Ltd. (UPECL), is designed to foster a thriving AI ecosystem, integrating cutting-edge technology, research centers, and educational institutions.
The AI City project, approved on December 27, 2023, by the Uttar Pradesh government, is part of the broader IndiaAI Mission, which received a ₹10,000 crore sanction from the central government in March 2024. The state’s investment, 67% higher than any other tech infrastructure project in India, includes plans for 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), multi-modal language models, and an AI innovation center. The initiative aligns with global trends, as the AI market, valued at $137 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 37.3% through 2030, according to a Grand View Research report.
Lucknow’s AI City is strategically located to leverage the city’s existing tech ecosystem. The region already hosts major IT players like HCL and TCS, alongside a skilled workforce of over 75,000 tech professionals and 23,000 STEM graduates annually from prestigious institutions such as IIM-Lucknow, IIIT-Lucknow, BBDU, and Amity University. The AI Centre of Excellence at IIIT-Lucknow currently supports over 15 AI and machine learning startups, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The project’s infrastructure will include Grade-A commercial spaces, state-of-the-art data centers, tech labs, and flexible workspaces for startups, incubators, and corporates. To promote a walk-to-work model, the AI City will feature a mix of luxury and affordable housing complexes. The government has allocated 40 acres initially, with plans to expand to 70 acres, offering financial incentives such as one-time capital expenditure support and 100% stamp duty exemptions under the IT and ITeS Policy 2022 to attract real estate developers.
The AI City is expected to create thousands of jobs, ranging from AI research and development to cybersecurity, data management, and administrative roles. Educational partnerships with institutions like IIT Kanpur and APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) will focus on upskilling the local workforce, ensuring they are equipped for the demands of the AI-driven future. Additionally, a high-tech AI-based traffic management system is proposed to enhance urban efficiency in Lucknow.
This initiative is a key component of Uttar Pradesh’s vision to become a $1 trillion economy by 2027. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the project’s significance during the ‘Destination UP- Emerging Hub for AI in India’ conclave, noting that Lucknow’s transformation into an AI hub will not only attract global talent and investment but also position India as a leader in the global AI landscape. The state is also drafting an AI policy aligned with Vision 2047 to ensure sustainable growth.
The AI City’s development comes at a time when India is witnessing a surge in AI adoption, with over 240 generative AI startups emerging in the first quarter of 2024 alone. Industry leaders like Vishal Dhupar, MD of NVIDIA South Asia, have lauded the initiative, stating that Lucknow’s AI City has the potential to become the “AI capital of the world” due to India’s vast talent pool. The project also aligns with the national “Digital India” vision, aiming to leverage AI in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and urban management.
As part of the broader Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (UPSCR) development, which includes six districts and covers 27,826 sq km, the AI City is a strategic move to decentralize India’s tech growth from Tier-1 cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. By fostering an ecosystem where academia, industry, and government collaborate, Lucknow is poised to lead India’s AI revolution, transforming from a city of culture to a global hub of innovation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from the Uttar Pradesh government, and industry sources. Information has been compiled from reputable outlets like The Hindu BusinessLine, Hindustan Times, Times of India, and others. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.