J&K Becomes First to Secure MeitY Approval for AI Centre of Excellence at IIT Jammu

JAMMU, April 08, 2026 — In a landmark achievement for the Union Territory’s digital landscape, Jammu & Kashmir has become the first region to receive formal approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to establish a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Artificial Intelligence.

Set to be housed within a 10,000 sq. ft. facility at IIT Jammu, the project operates under a ₹20 Crore outlay with a 90:10 funding ratio between the Central and UT governments. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo highlighted that this initiative, alongside the upcoming development of major IT Parks in Jammu and Srinagar, is designed to position J&K as a premier hub for advanced technology.

By bridging the gap between academia and industry through a robust Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework, the CoE will equip local youth with high-end skills in AI and allied domains, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled manpower for the region’s expanding tech sector.

The establishment of the CoE is expected to catalyze a transformative research and innovation ecosystem, specifically targeting advancements in governance, healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management.

Secretary of Information Technology, Dr. Piyush Singla, described the move as a “game-changer” that will streamline citizen-centric services and attract significant investment from global industry leaders and startups.

This strategic development, approved during the inaugural Project Approval Board meeting under the IndiaAI framework, underscores the UT administration’s commitment to inclusive growth.

By leveraging collaborations with national and international institutions, the government aims to ensure that the socio-economic benefits of cutting-edge AI technology reach even the most remote areas, driving large-scale job creation and sustainable economic progress across Jammu & Kashmir.