Long celebrated as the technology epicentre of India, Karnataka is now positioning itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence. Karnataka’s capital, Bengaluru, is home to over 1,700 GCCs that drive nearly $65 billion in revenue and employ 1.9 million people nationwide. With AI capabilities evolving rapidly, Karnataka is well-situated to lead AI advancements, leveraging its existing tech ecosystem and expanding collaborations with GCCs to reinforce its position as a global AI leader.

Leveraging GCC Expertise to Deepen AI Impact

GCCs are instrumental in scaling Karnataka’s AI efforts by bridging global knowledge and expertise with local applications. Many GCCs in Karnataka operate as multi-functional hubs, driving sophisticated AI projects across sectors like healthcare, public administration, and finance. For instance, these centers house over 1,20,000 AI and ML professionals, facilitating a range of AI solutions for complex data challenges and real-world applications.

Karnataka’s existing tech landscape enables GCCs to implement AI initiatives swiftly, such as AI-driven diagnostics in healthcare and enhanced resource management systems for public utilities. Through such applications, Karnataka can ensure an equitable impact of AI innovations across urban and rural areas alike.

AI-Driven Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainable development is a key priority for Karnataka, aligning well with the potential of AI to tackle critical challenges. Recent NASSCOM reports suggest that sectors like manufacturing are rapidly adopting AI, supported by GCC-led AI Centers of Excellence (COEs) that apply AI to optimise energy consumption, waste management, and resource allocation. These initiatives bolster Karnataka’s environmental resilience while setting benchmarks for sustainable AI practices.

Through expanded partnerships, GCCs can amplify these efforts, driving sustainable AI projects that enhance resource efficiency and support Karnataka’s green initiatives. This AI-driven sustainability strategy not only reinforces Karnataka’s AI leadership but also enhances its role as a responsible technology hub.

Nurturing an AI-Ready Workforce

Karnataka’s robust educational ecosystem has produced some of the most skilled AI professionals in India. However, as AI adoption surges, constant skill enhancement remains crucial. Available data highlights a 25-35 per cent annual growth in India’s AI market, which has intensified the demand for skilled AI professionals. In response, GCCs in Karnataka are actively involved in talent development, offering industry-aligned training, internships, and mentorship programs that enhance students’ readiness for high-impact AI roles.

By forging partnerships with local universities and technology institutes, GCCs not only support skill development but also cultivate a robust pipeline of AI experts who can drive Karnataka’s AI vision forward.

Enabling AI-Friendly Policies

Karnataka’s leadership has been proactive in fostering a supportive policy framework for AI. GCCs play a crucial advisory role, sharing insights into best practices from global markets to shape local AI policies. With AI investments in India expected to exceed $880 million by 2023, policies that encourage ethical AI adoption, data sharing, and regulatory sandboxes will be vital in maintaining Karnataka’s position as a global leader.

By strengthening public-private partnerships, Karnataka’s regulatory approach can set a high standard for AI governance, ensuring an environment where innovation aligns with public trust and ethical guidelines.

Also Read | The Rise of AI in Karnataka: Trends, Best Practices, and Government Applications

Karnataka’s AI journey is not merely a new chapter but an extension of its long-standing legacy as a tech leader. Supported by the expertise of GCCs and driven by a focus on sustainability, skill development, and forward-looking policies, Karnataka is well-positioned to redefine global standards in AI. This collaborative approach will not only accelerate Karnataka’s AI leadership but also establish the state as a model for responsible, high-impact AI innovation worldwide.

Views expressed by Bala MS, CEO, Stratinfinity Inc

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