Kerala revealed plans to set up two Artificial Intelligence Centers of Excellence (AI-CoEs) in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission under the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. These centers, a specialized Bio-AI Center in Kochi and a general-purpose AI-CoE in Thiruvananthapuram, will attract a total investment of Rs 40 crore. The aim is to position Kerala as a key national AI hub, focusing on research, startup incubation, and commercial innovation.
The Bio-AI Center of Excellence, to be managed by Kerala Startup Mission at the Digital Hub in Kochi, will leverage Kerala’s biodiversity, Ayurvedic heritage, and genomics capabilities alongside advanced AI infrastructure. Backed by the Tejaswi supercomputer at Cochin University of Science and Technology and the Kerala Genome Data Centre, the project targets the incubation of 48 deep tech startups over four years, creating around 600 direct high-value jobs.
This center will concentrate on AI-driven drug discovery, precision Ayurveda, genomics, and agri-tech innovation for Kerala’s spice sector. The initiative is expected to benefit over 40,000 spice farmers through AI-based tools, aiming for a 20% increase in incomes via predictive analytics, pest management, and premium-quality authentication systems.
The Rs 20 crore project follows a funding model of 40:40:20 involving the Center, the State government, and an industry consortium. The second AI-CoE will be established under Digital University Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a dedicated 10,000 sq ft facility to bridge AI research and market-ready applications. This center will support startups in commercialization, skill development, and industry collaboration, focusing on AI solutions tailored to Kerala’s socio-economic requirements.
Kerala IT and Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty emphasized that these projects signify a significant moment for the state, stating, “Kerala is not just participating in India’s AI mission; we are helping shape it.” With Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram emerging as twin AI corridors, Kerala is strategically positioning itself at the core of India’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem.
