The Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, government of Karnataka, has approved the setting up of an artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence (CoE) called the Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions (CATS) to accelerate AI adoption, Industry 4.0 innovation and digital transformation across sectors.
The centre will be established at the KEONICS facility in Bengaluru in partnership with Nasscom, with a total outlay of Rs 200 million over four years. Funding will follow a 40:40:20 model, with contributions from Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), the government of Karnataka and industry partners.
The CATS AI CoE will focus on priority areas such as AI, robotics and automation, supply chain optimisation and digital transformation.
The programme also envisages collaboration with global technology and industry leaders. Over the next four years, the centre is expected to set up advanced laboratories and testing facilities, support deep-tech startups, and enable proofs of concept, industry collaborations and technology commercialisation.
Key performance indicators for the centre will include the number of startups incubated, prototypes developed, intellectual property filings, industry collaborations and skilled professionals trained, with year-wise growth targets to ensure measurable outcomes.