JAMMU: In a major boost to the digital and innovation ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory has become the first in the country to secure formal approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for establishing a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence at Indian Institute of Technology Jammu.
The proposal from Jammu and Kashmir was approved in the inaugural meeting of the Project Approval Board under MeitY’s pan-India initiative for setting up AI Centres of Excellence under the IndiaAI Mission framework.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo described the development as a landmark achievement and said Jammu and Kashmir, with the support of MeitY, is poised to emerge as a major hub of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Dulloo said the establishment of the Centre of Excellence would coincide with the proposed development of IT Parks in both Jammu and Srinagar, for which land identification and other logistical arrangements are presently underway.
He said the Centre would open new opportunities for the youth of the region by equipping them with advanced skills in artificial intelligence and allied technologies so that a trained workforce is available for the upcoming IT Parks.
According to the Chief Secretary, these initiatives would significantly improve employability and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Dulloo said the Centre of Excellence is expected to catalyse the creation of a strong research and innovation ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir through collaboration with premier national and international institutions, startups and industry leaders.
He further said the Centre, together with the proposed IT Parks, would act as a catalyst for attracting investment in the technology sector and encourage startups and major companies to establish a presence in the Union Territory, thereby generating large-scale employment and accelerating economic growth.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive development, Dulloo said the Centre would ensure that the benefits of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence reach even the remotest areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Secretary, Information Technology, Piyush Singla termed the initiative a “game-changer” for the Union Territory’s innovation ecosystem.
He said the Centre of Excellence would bridge the gap between academia and industry, empower youth with future-ready skills and help transform citizen-centric services through AI-driven solutions.
Officials said the quick approval of the proposal reflects the meticulous planning of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, strong institutional coordination and the quality of the proposal submitted to MeitY.
The Centre of Excellence will be established within a dedicated built-up space of 10,000 square feet at IIT Jammu, which will serve as the anchor institution and implementation agency for the project.
The project will be developed at a total cost of ₹20 crore under a 90:10 funding pattern between MeitY and the Jammu and Kashmir Government. The funds will be released over a period of four years.
Officials said the Centre will operate through a Special Purpose Vehicle framework under the supervision of the Information Technology Department.
The Centre is expected to create a collaborative ecosystem involving academia, government, industry and corporate stakeholders under the guidance of MeitY’s IndiaAI Division.
Students, researchers, innovators and industry leaders will work together through the Centre to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications and solutions.
The Centre of Excellence will spearhead advanced research and development in sectors such as governance, healthcare, agriculture and disaster management. It will also support startup incubation and skill development programmes in artificial intelligence and related fields.
Officials said the initiative, aligned with the objectives of the IndiaAI Mission, is expected to play a key role in driving technological growth and socio-economic development across Jammu and Kashmir.
