Lucknow to be India’s first AI City
04 September 2025: In a significant milestone for India’s digital and technological advancement, Lucknow has been selected as the country’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) City. This strategic move is part of the IndiaAI Mission, an initiative by MeitY, Government of India, aimed at accelerating AI adoption and innovation nationwide. To support this transformation, the city will receive a landmark investment of Rs.10,732 crore, the highest tech infrastructure investment ever made by any Indian state. These funds will be directed toward building a robust AI ecosystem by deploying 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), developing multi-modal language models, and establishing a state-of-the-art AI Innovation Center in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s capital.
The project includes dedicated facilities for AI research and development, educational institutions, cutting-edge technologies, and a focus on creating a smart city infrastructure with AI-enabled transport. The AI city will be located in the Nadarganj Industrial Area and aims to position Lucknow as a hub for innovation in artificial intelligence.
The project will focus on creating an ecosystem for startups and establishing a center of excellence for AI. Lucknow already houses Centers of Excellence in crucial areas like AI and MedTech, with significant AI integration. The AI Center of Excellence at IIIT Lucknow supports more than 15 AI/ML start-ups, fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship in the region.
With a goal to become a $1 trillion economy in the next five years, the Uttar Pradesh government identifies IT and ITeS as core sectors to drive economic growth. Financial support, along with strategic land allocation and regulatory assistance, underscores the government’s commitment to making the AI city a success.
Lucknow’s growing tech ecosystem is complemented by major IT players such as HCL and TCS. The city boasts a skilled workforce, with over 75,000 tech professionals, 23,000 STEM graduates, and 300+ colleges, including prestigious institutions like IIM-Lucknow, IIIT-Lucknow, BBDU and Amity.
