Karnataka CM Announces Green Data Centre, AI University

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced significant technology initiatives for the state, including the development of a new green data centre and the creation of India's first dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) university. The announcements were made during the Google I/O Connect India 2026 event held in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar stated that the state plans to establish a next-generation green data centre, with locations planned in a coastal district and near Bengaluru. This initiative aims to bolster the region's data infrastructure while adhering to environmental standards. The government also intends to lay the foundation for the first and largest AI university in India, focusing on cultivating AI talent and fostering research in the field.

The event also highlighted advancements in AI applications within India's healthcare sector. AIIMS Delhi is reportedly utilizing Google's MedGemma models to develop new health applications. These tools are designed to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing conditions by analyzing images and text inputs, with a focus on open-sourcing the outcomes to benefit India's digital public infrastructure.

Furthermore, Google's Gemma 4 model is being integrated into the Aarogya Setu 2.0 application, which serves as a centralized platform for digital health services in India. Google is also expanding its collaboration in education, launching the ATL Saathi application to support teachers with an AI-powered assistant for delivering the Atal Tinkering Labs curriculum.