Bengaluru, 15 July

The Karnataka government will roll out a comprehensive and sustainable Data Centre Policy to support the infrastructure requirements of AI and next-generation computing, Bengaluru Business Corridor Chairman L K Atheeq said here on Wednesday.

Atheeq, who is also the financial advisor to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, made the announcement at the inaugural edition of the GCC Summit 2026, organised by Maxpo Exhibitions Pvt Ltd in partnership with the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, in Bengaluru.

He said the policy would create the digital infrastructure required to support AI-led innovation and next-generation computing, while complementing the state's broader AI vision.

"Today everyone is talking about AI and every organisation wants to embrace it. But AI also brings significant infrastructure challenges. It requires data centres," Atheeq said.

Stressing that data centres require reliable power and water, he said, "Karnataka is working on a comprehensive and sustainable Data Centre Policy, which will be rolled out very soon."

He referred to CM's recent announcement to establish India's first and largest public sector-led AI university, alongside a world-class AI hub, on a 100-acre campus.

"Discussions are currently underway regarding the final location. The AI university we are envisioning will not resemble a conventional university with traditional departments and hierarchical structures. It will be a new-age institution-flat, multidisciplinary, inclusive and collaborative," he said.