Uttar Pradesh is rapidly pushing ahead with its artificial intelligence plans, with Lucknow steadily emerging as a new hub for AI innovation, digital governance, and deeptech investment in India.
The state recently hosted the ‘AI Transformation Conclave 2026’ in Lucknow, where more than 50 IAS officers and senior government officials from across the country gathered to discuss how AI can reshape governance and public services.
One of the key sessions at the conclave was a workshop titled “The AI-Powered Public Administrator: Competencies for a New Era of Governance,” led by Subi Chaturvedi, Founder of NIHIT and Sherpa of Working Group-7 of the India-US CEO Forum.
During the event, Chaturvedi said Lucknow is quickly becoming one of the most promising destinations for AI innovation in India. She noted that the city is evolving beyond its cultural identity and is now building a strong reputation in technology, innovation, and digital transformation under the current administration.
She also pointed to growing investments and deeptech activities by companies like InMobi, saying they are helping create a wider ecosystem around research, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, governance technology, and talent development in Uttar Pradesh.
The conclave also focused on the state’s AI roadmap, including the recently approved ₹368 crore AI City project planned for Lucknow’s Vrindavan Yojana. In addition, the Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹225 crore for the UP AI Mission to support AI adoption and innovation across sectors.
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the State Transformation Commission, said the government wants Uttar Pradesh to become a national example of AI-led governance, which could also help support its long-term goal of building a trillion-dollar economy.
Meanwhile, Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of the IT and Electronics Department, said the state is actively investing in infrastructure for emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and deeptech innovation.
The event also featured discussions on the growing role of AI in cybersecurity, startups, MSMEs, citizen services, and digital governance. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘MANAV’ framework, Chaturvedi highlighted the importance of developing AI systems that remain ethical, transparent, accountable, and human-centric.
NIHIT, the organisation behind the initiative, operates under the India-US CEO Forum and is backed by companies including InMobi, Mastercard, and Tata Sons. The platform works to strengthen collaboration between India and the US in areas such as innovation, startups, MSMEs, cybersecurity, and supply chain ecosystems.
Also Read: Dell Technologies Unveils AI India Blueprint at India AI Impact Summit 2026
