Jammu Kashmir Gets MeitY Nod for AI Centre of Excellence at IIT Jammu, Boost to Tech Ecosystem | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: In a major push to digital innovation, Jammu and Kashmir has secured approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Artificial Intelligence at Indian Institute of Technology Jammu.

The project, approved under the IndiaAI framework, will be established with an outlay of Rs 20 crore under a 90:10 funding pattern between the Centre and the Union Territory government over four years. The facility will come up in a dedicated 10,000 sq. ft. space at IIT Jammu, which will serve as the nodal implementation agency.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo termed the approval a landmark step, stating that the initiative will position Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. He said the CoE, along with proposed IT parks in Srinagar and Jammu, will open new employment avenues for youth and strengthen the region’s digital ecosystem.

The Centre is expected to drive research, innovation, and skill development in key sectors such as governance, healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management. It will also promote collaboration between academia, industry, and startups, fostering a robust innovation ecosystem in the Union Territory.

Secretary IT Piyush Singla described the project as a “game-changer,” noting that it will bridge the gap between academia and industry while enabling AI-driven solutions for citizen-centric services.

Officials said the initiative will also attract investments, encourage startups, and generate employment, while ensuring that the benefits of advanced technologies reach even remote areas.

The CoE will function under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework, guided by MeitY’s IndiaAI Division, and is expected to play a key role in accelerating technological growth and socio-economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.