Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is working fast to turn the state into a major centre for artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-tech innovation in India. As part of this effort, the state hosted the ‘AI Transformation Conclave 2026’ in Lucknow on Friday, 15th May, where more than 50 IAS officers and senior administrators from different parts of the country took part.
Focus on AI in governance
A major attraction of the conclave was a special workshop titled “The AI-Powered Public Administrator: Competencies for a New Era of Governance.” The session focused on how government officials can use AI in administration and public services.
The workshop was led by Dr. Subi Chaturvedi. Speaking at the event, she said that Uttar Pradesh, especially Lucknow, is quickly becoming one of the strongest destinations for AI innovation in the country.
She said Lucknow was once mainly known for its culture and heritage, but under the yogi government, the city is now creating a new image as a technology and innovation hub. According to her, the entry of companies like InMobi into deep-tech operations in the state is helping build a strong ecosystem linked to research, governance, digital infrastructure, startups, talent, and entrepreneurship.
AI city and UP AI mission
The conclave also highlighted the Uttar Pradesh government’s ambitious plans for AI and emerging technologies. Recently, the state approved the country’s first AI City project in Lucknow’s Vrindavan Yojana area with an estimated cost of ₹368 crore.
Apart from this, the government has also set aside ₹225 crore for the UP AI Mission. Special budget provisions have been made for AI City, AI-driven projects, and other future technologies in the latest state budget.
UP can become national model for AI governance
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the State Transformation Commission, said Uttar Pradesh is steadily moving towards becoming a national example in AI-based governance. He added that technology-driven reforms will help the state move faster towards its goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy.
Principal Secretary of the IT and Electronics Department, Alok Kumar, said the government is fully focused on creating strong infrastructure for technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and deep-tech innovation.
Discussions on cybersecurity, startups and citizen services
Several important topics related to AI were discussed during the conclave. Experts and officials exchanged views on cybersecurity, digital governance, MSMEs, startups, AI ecosystems, and the use of AI in citizen-focused services.
During her address, Dr. Subi Chaturvedi also stressed the need for ethical and responsible AI systems. She said AI technology should remain safe, accountable, accessible, and human-centric so that it benefits people and supports inclusive growth.
