The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the establishment of an AI-driven Centre of Excellence in biotechnology in Bengaluru, aiming to accelerate innovation across drug discovery, genomics, and precision medicine.
Glimpse:
Announced in April 2026, the AI Centre of Excellence (AI-CoE) will be set up at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) in Electronics City with an investment of ₹20 crore over four years. The initiative, in collaboration with C-CAMP, will focus on leveraging AI for applications such as diagnostics, genomics, and drug development.
In a strategic move to strengthen its leadership in emerging technologies, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Biotechnology in Bengaluru. The centre will be housed at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) in Electronics City and developed over a four-year period.
The project, with an outlay of approximately ₹20 crore, will be implemented in partnership with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP). It aims to bring together expertise in artificial intelligence and life sciences to drive innovation in key areas such as drug discovery, genomics, diagnostics, and precision medicine.
This initiative is part of Karnataka’s broader strategy to strengthen its deep tech ecosystem and maintain its position as India’s leading technology and biotech hub. Bengaluru already hosts a dense network of research institutions, startups, and global tech companies, making it an ideal base for such advanced research initiatives.
State IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that the Centre of Excellence will help build future-ready capabilities at the intersection of AI and biotechnology, enabling high-impact innovation and accelerating scientific research outcomes.
In addition to the AI-CoE, the cabinet has also approved the development of a Technology & Innovation Museum in Bengaluru under a public private partnership (PPP) model, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and public engagement with science and technology.
The move reflects a growing trend among Indian states to invest in AI-driven research infrastructure, aiming to boost competitiveness in global biotech and healthcare innovation while supporting startups, academia, and industry collaboration.
“This Centre of Excellence will strengthen our research ecosystem and accelerate innovation.”
By
HB Team
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