Campus Times | Lucknow 

The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Lucknow (IIIT Lucknow) is set to establish an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence with an overall project outlay of ₹20 crore, following administrative approval from the India AI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Planned over a four-year period, the centre is envisioned as a research and innovation hub that will bridge the gap between AI research and real-world applications. A key focus will be the development of technology-driven solutions for challenges specific to Uttar Pradesh, including traffic management, healthcare and other areas with significant social and economic impact.

The proposed facility will span at least 10,000 square feet and feature advanced AI laboratories along with high-performance computing infrastructure. It will also provide students and innovators with co-working facilities, mentorship and financial support to help translate ideas into viable technologies and ventures.

24 startups, 30 prototypes targeted

The four-year roadmap sets ambitious targets for the proposed centre. IIIT Lucknow plans to incubate 24 startups and facilitate the development of at least 30 AI-based prototypes or products.

The initiative is also expected to create around 300 direct employment opportunities in the AI ecosystem. Through structured skill-development programmes, 400 students will receive in-person training, while another 1,200 learners will be trained virtually.

The centre will further seek to establish 60 strategic partnerships with industry and academic institutions, strengthening collaboration in AI research, technology development and commercialisation.

India AI mission, UP government to share funding

The funding model brings together the Centre, Uttar Pradesh Government, IIIT Lucknow and industry partners. The India AI Mission will contribute ₹8 crore, to be released in eight instalments linked to project milestones and the achievement of defined targets. Another ₹8 crore will be provided by the Uttar Pradesh Government through UPDESCO, while the remaining ₹4 crore will be jointly invested by IIIT Lucknow and industrial partners.

Focus on strategic AI research and indigenous IP

According to the institute, the Centre of Excellence will focus on advanced research in AI and emerging technologies while creating a stronger ecosystem for startups and innovation.

Under the administrative conditions of the project, all intellectual property developed through the centre will remain in India. The provision is aimed at ensuring domestic ownership and control of technologies developed under the initiative, particularly in situations requiring strategic or emergency access.

The project also mandates that research equipment costing more than ₹20 lakh be registered on the I-STEM portal, enabling wider visibility and utilisation of high-value research infrastructure.

With its combination of research infrastructure, startup support, skill development and industry collaboration, the proposed centre is expected to strengthen IIIT Lucknows role in AI research while contributing to Uttar Pradeshs broader technology and innovation ecosystem.