In a move to strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a global technology hub, the Karnataka government has approved a ₹20 crore Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at the KEONICS facility in HSR Layout. The initiative, titled CATS (Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions), will run for four years and is designed to fast-track AI adoption, Industry 4.0 capabilities and large-scale digital transformation across key sectors such as robotics, advanced manufacturing and supply chain management.
The programme is being developed in partnership with nasscom and aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world enterprise deployment. By focusing on applied AI use cases, CATS is expected to support startups, scale-ups and established enterprises looking to integrate intelligent systems into operations, products and services. The centre will also act as a collaborative platform, bringing together industry, government and academia to co-create solutions that can be deployed at scale.
Funding for CATS follows a structured 40:40:20 model. Forty percent of the budget will be contributed by the MeitY–nasscom Centre of Excellence, another 40% will come from the Karnataka government, while the remaining 20% will be funded by industry partners. This blended funding approach is intended to ensure long-term sustainability while aligning public policy goals with market-driven innovation.
Beyond infrastructure, the centre will focus on talent development, pilot projects and proof-of-concept deployments, enabling faster commercialisation of AI-led solutions. It is also expected to support Industry 4.0 initiatives by promoting the adoption of intelligent automation, predictive analytics and connected systems across traditional and emerging sectors.
IT and BT Minister Priyank M Kharge described the initiative as a strategic enabler for the state’s technology ambitions, calling it a “launchpad for deep-tech startups and collaborations” in Karnataka’s “deep tech decade.” The project aligns with the state’s broader vision of positioning Karnataka as a leader in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and next-generation digital infrastructure.
With Bengaluru already home to a dense network of startups, global technology firms and research institutions, the launch of CATS is expected to further energise the ecosystem. By combining policy support, industry participation and applied research, the centre aims to translate AI innovation into tangible economic and industrial outcomes for the state and beyond.
