IndiaAI Mission Partners With UPDESCO To Boost AI Ecosystem In Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Jan 13 (KNN) The Digital India Corporation’s Independent Business Division under the IndiaAI Mission, operating within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO), Lucknow, to strengthen the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.

State-Level Implementation Framework

Under the arrangement, the Department of IT and Electronics, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as the nodal administrative department for implementing the IndiaAI Mission in the State, while UPDESCO has been appointed as the State Nodal Agency. 

According to UPDESCO Managing Director Neha Jain, the framework is intended to ensure coordinated and effective execution of the initiative across Uttar Pradesh.

Network of Data and AI Labs

As part of the IndiaAI Mission, 65 Data and AI Labs are planned across Uttar Pradesh. Two IndiaAI Data and AI Labs at NIELIT centres in Lucknow and Gorakhpur are already operational, while an additional lab has been established at Pilibhit through an industry partner. The State Government has approved 49 more labs, for which implementation has commenced, and a further 13 locations are to be identified.

Infrastructure and Training Focus

The IndiaAI Data Labs will be equipped with AI-ready infrastructure, including computing resources, software platforms, curated datasets and structured learning modules. 

The facilities are designed to support hands-on, experiential learning through real-world use cases, project-based training and problem-solving exercises, enabling students to develop and deploy AI-based solutions relevant to industry needs.

Beyond technical skills, the programme places emphasis on career readiness, ethical AI practices and application-oriented learning. It aims to address skill gaps in the workforce, enhance employability and create a pipeline of AI-ready talent from the State.

(KNN Bureau)