The Karnataka government has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to applying artificial intelligence in biotechnology, reinforcing the state’s push into advanced and emerging technologies. The facility will come up at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) in Electronics City Phase 1. With an estimated outlay of ₹20 crore, the project will be rolled out over a four-year period in partnership with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP). The CoE is expected to deepen the integration of AI with biotechnology, supporting research in areas such as data-driven drug discovery, genomics, and precision medicine, while also creating stronger links between academia and industry.
State IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge said the initiative is part of Karnataka’s broader effort to build capabilities in deep technology. He noted that sustained investments in AI and allied fields are key to driving innovation and ensuring the state remains competitive in next-generation sectors.
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In a separate decision, the state Cabinet has also cleared the development of a Technology and Innovation Museum in east Bengaluru. The project will be set up at the NGEF campus in Baiyappanahalli under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with a total estimated investment of ₹100 crore. To enable this, the government has approved the transfer of a 51% stake in the Karnataka Technology & Innovation Museum Foundation (KTIMF) to the Unboxing BLR Foundation, while retaining the remaining share. This structure is intended to ensure both public oversight and private sector participation in managing the project.
The museum is being envisioned as an interactive space to promote scientific awareness and showcase innovation, while also encouraging interest in startups and emerging technologies. Of the total project cost, ₹49 crore will be funded by the state government, with the remaining ₹51 crore coming from the private partner.
Together, these initiatives signal Karnataka’s continued focus on strengthening its innovation ecosystem, with a clear emphasis on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced research.
