Maharashtra plans six AI Excellence Centres, five AI Innovation Cities under new AI policy

The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026, which envisages an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in the sector and the creation of 1.5 lakh employment opportunities.

Under the policy, the state government plans to establish six AI Excellence Centres and five AI Innovation Cities, according to an official statement. The policy focuses on strengthening artificial intelligence infrastructure across Maharashtra.

State Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Ashish Shelar said the primary objective of the policy is large-scale employment generation.

He said two lakh youth will be trained in artificial intelligence technologies to create a skilled workforce aligned with emerging technological demands.

The policy also proposes the development of 50 AI tools and use-cases to increase the adoption of artificial intelligence across industries and businesses in the state.

To strengthen computing infrastructure for the implementation of the policy, the state plans to provide 2,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The government also said 5,000 MSMEs will receive financial support to adopt AI technologies.

The state government will set up a venture capital fund of Rs 500 crore to support AI-based startups and unicorns. Of this amount, Rs 250 crore will be contributed by the state government.

The policy also includes subsidies for machinery purchases for AI-driven industries. Additional incentives include concessions in electricity tariffs, power subsidies and stamp duty benefits to encourage AI adoption in education, employment, innovation and industry.

Shelar said AI-based agents will be developed to simplify interactions between citizens and the administration.

The government will also provide financial support for the development of databases in Marathi and other local languages.

According to the minister, Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to create a separate framework for ethical AI.

In another decision, the cabinet approved the implementation of the ‘MAJESTIC’ — Maharashtra Accelerating Green Energy and Storage Technologies Integration in Connected Grid — scheme to increase the use of green energy.

The official statement said loans will be obtained from the World Bank for the scheme and a preliminary report will be sent to the Centre.

The cabinet also approved the establishment of the Green Maharashtra Commission to undertake a tree plantation campaign targeting the planting of 300 crore trees.