Science TechnologySunday, 19 July 2026·The Hindu - National
Karnataka approves ₹12-crore AI CoE at IIIT Raichur for North Karnataka districts
Karnataka cleared a ₹12-crore Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence at IIIT Raichur with funding split between the 2026-27 Budget and LEAP.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, the Karnataka Cabinet approved a ₹12-crore Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Raichur, with funding spread over five years and linked to the 2026-27 State Budget and the LEAP programme.
Key specifics
- ₹5 crore was earmarked in the 2026-27 State Budget for the project.
- ₹7 crore will come from the LEAP programme, taking the total outlay to ₹12 crore.
- The centre will serve the 13 districts of North Karnataka as a regional AI hub.
- The project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle named IIIT Raichur ARIA.
- It will support AI solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, MSMEs and governance.
Exam lens
Question type: scheme and institution match-the-following, budget allocation, and regional development. Key facts: IIIT Raichur, ₹12 crore, 13 districts of North Karnataka, SPV IIIT Raichur ARIA, 2026-27 Budget and LEAP. TNPSC may ask which state approved an AI CoE and where it is located.