This initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, and reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to shaping India’s digital future. At its heart lies the establishment of the state’s first AI university, an ambitious project to be jointly executed by the ministries of information and technology as well as higher and technical education under the leadership of minister Chandrakant Patil.
This university, which was one of the promises in the Mahayuti government’s poll manifesto, aims to be more than an academic institution – it will serve as a hub for research, technological advancement, and skill development. It has been designed to prepare youth for leadership roles in the AI-driven global economy and is primed to foster a new generation of innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The team will submit its recommendations in a month, focusing on setting up centres of excellence and innovation across Maharashtra, enhancing AI-driven solutions for governance and industry, and nurturing a future-ready workforce.
The newly formed team will be chaired by the principal secretary of the IT department and will include experts, academicians, and industry leaders such as scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar, Naren Kachru from Google India, Bhuvan Lodha from Mahindra, and Atlas Skill University Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajan Velukar.
Representatives from premier institutions like IIT Powai and IIT Mumbai, as well as NASSCOM, will also play a key role ensuring a diverse and comprehensive approach to the growth of artificial intelligence (AI).
“Maharashtra is leading India’s AI revolution and will be the first state to establish an AI university. The formation of this taskforce is a crucial step towards fostering innovation, boosting research and development, and creating a world-class centre of excellence and innovation in AI, in collaboration with the Government of India,” Maharashtra IT minister Ashish Shelar said.
