Kerala to Establish Two AI Centers with Central Government Support

May 21, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, May 21: Kerala has taken a significant step towards becoming a national AI hub by announcing the establishment of two Artificial Intelligence Centers of Excellence (AI-COE) in partnership with the India AI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

These projects, which include a Bio-AI Center in Kochi and an AI Center of Excellence in Thiruvananthapuram, will attract an investment of approximately ₹400 crore. They are expected to propel the next phase of technology-driven development in Kerala, focusing on research, startup promotion, and business innovation.

The Bio-AI Center of Excellence, set up by the Kerala Startup Mission in Kochi, aims to integrate Kerala’s biodiversity, Ayurvedic traditions, and genomic capabilities with advanced AI technology. Powered by the ‘Tejaswi’ supercomputer from Cochin University of Science and Technology and in collaboration with the Kerala Genome Data Center, this project aims to foster 48 deep-tech startups and create around 600 high-value jobs over the next four years.

The center will concentrate on AI-based drug discovery, precision Ayurveda, genomics, and agricultural technology innovations for Kerala’s spice sector. Officials expect that the AI tools developed under this initiative will benefit over 40,000 spice farmers, aiming to increase their income by up to 20% through predictive analytics, pest management, and premium quality certification systems.

This ₹200 crore project is based on a funding model of 40:40:20, involving the central government, state government, and an industry association.

The second AI Center of Excellence will be established in Thiruvananthapuram under Digital University Kerala, featuring a dedicated facility of 10,000 square feet. Its goal is to bridge the gap between AI research and market applications.

The center will assist startups in commercialization, skill development, and industry collaboration, while also focusing on AI solutions tailored to Kerala’s socio-economic needs.

Launching this initiative, Kerala’s IT and Industry Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty stated that these projects mark a historic moment for the state. He emphasized, “Kerala is not only participating in India’s AI mission but also helping to shape it.”