Lucknow AI Hub: India’s First Dedicated AI Center with ₹10,732 Crore Investment

Lucknow | January 4, 2026, 12:20 PM IST

Uttar Pradesh is launching India’s first AI hub in Lucknow with a ₹10,732 crore ($1.3B) investment under the IndiaAI Mission. The project will feature data centers, R&D labs, and tech incubators, creating tens of thousands of jobs while driving innovation, skill-building, and economic growth.

Lucknow to Host India’s First AI Hub with ₹10,732 Crore Boost

Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to pioneer India’s inaugural dedicated AI hub in its capital, Lucknow, through a massive Rs 10,732 crore ($1.3 billion) commitment from the national IndiaAI Mission. This forward-thinking venture promises to redefine the region’s tech landscape by fostering cutting-edge research, job growth, and a thriving innovation ecosystem.

Vision for a Tech-Driven Future

Authorities have earmarked land in the Nadarganj Industrial Area, conveniently close to Lucknow’s international airport, for this expansive development. Spanning roughly 40 acres, the project adopts a mixed-use blueprint: about 60% devoted to specialized zones with data centers, R&D labs, and tech incubators, while the rest supports housing, retail, and community spaces.

​This setup aims to draw global firms and startups, positioning Lucknow as a competitive player against established tech corridors like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Officials project the creation of tens of thousands of specialized roles in AI, analytics, and related fields.

Lucknow AI Hub: India’s First Dedicated AI Center with ₹10,732 Crore Investment

Tata Group’s Pivotal Role

Momentum surged following discussions between Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in December 2025, where the conglomerate floated plans for a next-generation AI facility. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) intends to double its regional headcount from 16,000 to 30,000, channeling resources into AI-centric services across multiple cities including Lucknow.

​The partnership exemplifies how private giants are aligning with state ambitions to accelerate digital transformation, potentially establishing a flagship Global Capability Center focused on advanced computing and automation.

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Skill-Building and Economic Ambitions

Complementing the infrastructure is the AI Pragya program, a statewide push to equip one million residents including students, farmers, and public servants with expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science.

Collaborations with Microsoft, Intel, and Google, alongside institutions like IIM and IIIT Lucknow, will deliver training modules and research synergies.

​These efforts tie into Uttar Pradesh’s goal of hitting a $1 trillion GDP milestone by decade’s end, with AI projected to inject $1.7 trillion nationally by 2035 through productivity gains in key sectors.