Lok Sabha Question No. 4408 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: National AI Mission in Karnataka
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Captain Brijesh Chowta

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4408

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 20 .08.2025

## NATIONAL AI MISSION IN KARNATAKA

## 4408.   SHRI CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and innovation projects sanctioned under the National AI Mission nationally, in Karnataka and specifically in Dakshina Kannada since 2020 including sector-wise details (agriculture, healthcare, logistics);
- (b)  the  total  funds  allocated,  released  and  utilised  for  AI-related  research  and  development  in Karnataka along with the share of grants provided to higher education institutions and research labs in Dakshina Kannada, district-wise;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  deploy  AI-based  solutions  for  fisheries monitoring, port logistics optimisation, marine biodiversity tracking in Dakshina Kannada and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of the number of students trained in Dakshina Kannada under Future Skills PRIME;
- (e) whether the Government plans to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on AI in Mangaluru,
- its proposed timeline and expected impact on job creation and local innovation ecosystem; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (f): In line with Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision, the Government is making technology accessible to all. The focus is on democratizing the development and use of Artificial  Intelligence  (AI)  for  real-world  problems,  ultimately  improving  lives  across  various sectors.

## AI ecosystem in India:

- Fastgrowing India's tech sector, including AI, is projected to surpass $280 billion in annual revenue this year
- 6 million+ people are employed in this sector
- 1,800+ Global Capability Centres, including 500+ focused on AI
- ~1.8 lakh startups in India; 89% of new startups in India last year were AI-powered
- Global rankings such as Stanford AI rankings placing India among the top countries in AI skills, capabilities, and policies to use AI
- India,  second-largest  contributor  to  GitHub  AI  projects,  testament  to  its  vibrant  developer community.

Building on this strong foundation, the IndiaAI Mission was launched in 2024, with a total outlay of Rs. 10,371 Cr, to make AI accessible to all across India. It establishes a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem aligned with India's development goals. Seven pillars of IndiaAI mission are as follows:

- 1) IndiaAI  Compute  Capacity: It aims to  provide  high-end  compute  power  (GPUs)  to  all, including MSMEs and startups, at an affordable cost.
- 2) IndiaAI Foundation Models: To develop India's own Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) trained on Indian datasets and languages. This is to ensure sovereign capability and global competitiveness in generative AI.
- 3) AIKosh: To develop large datasets for training AI models. AIKosh is a unified data platform integrating datasets from government and non-government sources.
- 4) IndiaAI Application Development Initiative:
- To develop AI applications for India specific challenges in sectors such as climate change and disaster management, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and assistive technologies for learning disabilities.
- Currently,  30  (thirty)  applications  have  been  shortlisted.  The  details  of  shortlisted  AI solution are given at Annexure I.
- Out of 30 shortlisted applications, two innovative AI-driven solutions in fisheries were selected for their potential to enhance marine monitoring and aquaculture management.

## 5) IndiaAI FutureSkills:

- To develop AI skilled professionals in India by increasing the number of graduates, postgraduate and PhDs in AI domain.
- Envisions setting up Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India.
- State/UTs have nominated 174 ITIs and polytechnics for setting up IndiaAI data labs, including  23  nominations  of  ITIs  from  Karnataka.  Details  of  these  institutions  are available in Annexure II.
- 6) IndiaAI Startup Financing: To provide financial assistance to AI start-ups.
- 7) Safe & Trusted AI: To balance innovation with strong governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI adoption.

FutureSkills PRIME program is a collaborative initiative of MeitY and National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) aimed at making India a cutting- edge digital talent nation. Under the initiative:

- Skilling, reskilling, and upskilling in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence,
- Big Data Analytics, IoTs, Cyber Security, Blockchain, AR/VR, etc.
- Courses are developed in consultation with industry to align with actual employment needs.
- Portal can be accessed anytime-anywhere to earn skill certificates in line with their aptitude and aspirations.
- Accessible online at https://futureskillsprime.in/
- So far, more than 22.9 lakh candidates have registered on the portal.
- Around 7.34 Lakh candidates have completed the training, including 1.78 Lakh candidates in AI/Big Data.
- In Dakshin Kannada more than 5,000 candidates have enrolled/trained in various courses.

The  Government  has  established  Centres  of  Excellence  in  various  emerging  technologies including Artificial Intelligence to explore opportunities in these specialized fields. These centres provide start-ups with plug-and-play co-working spaces and access to the ecosystem. Three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Artificial Intelligence have been established with a focus on healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Ropar, and IIT Kanpur respectively. The total budget outlay for these CoEs is ₹990 cr ores.

*****

The details of shortlisted AI solution under IndiaAI Application Development Initiative are as under:

- Climate Change and disaster management: 4 applications have moved to the next stage under this theme with 1 idea and 3 prototypes.
- Healthcare: 8 applications have moved to the next stage under this theme with 4 prototype and 4 existing solutions.

| Indicative problem statement                                    | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                                                                                      | Team Name                            | Solution stage   |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------|
| Early Warning Systems for Adverse and Sudden Climate Change     | Heatwave Resilience: Integrating AI-based Advanced Forecasting for Extreme Heat Events: Integrate AI- based climate forecasting with health data to develop a targeted risk classification system for heat-health impacts | ARTPARK                              | Idea             |
| Multi-Hazard Susceptibility Mapping                             | Multi-Hazard Susceptibility Mapping: hazard management system that integrates four modules: Hazard Prone Area Database, Susceptibility Mapping, Threat Assessment & Mitigation Planning, and Monitoring &Assessment.      | Jarbits Pvt Ltd                      | Prototype        |
| Solutions that correspond to both indicative problem statements | DeepFlood: Rapid flood inundation mapping using Vision Transformers and Satellite Data: advanced flood inundation mapping tool using SAR data and deep learning models for real-time, automated flood detection           | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | Prototype        |
| Others: Climate and Outbreak of Diseases                        | Moskeet : Climate impact on mosquito-borne diseases: AI-powered platform integrates real-time climate data with mosquito tracking to predict and prevent disease outbreaks.                                               | Moskeet                              | Prototype        |

| Indicative problem statement                      | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                                                            | Team Name                              | Solution Stage    |
|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------|
| Early disease detection using AI-enhanced X- rays | End to End AI Cloud Platform for Radiology Diagnosis: AI cloud platform for radiology diagnosis, integrating innovative technologies such as CV, GenAI, NLP, Dicom, mobile, and cloud computing | Endimension Technology Private Limited | Existing Solution |
|                                                   | NIDAAN (iNtegrated lung health screening & tuberculosIs Detection through Ai At National scale): qXR, an advanced AI tool for interpreting chest X-rays (CXR), detects &localizes 30+ findings. | Qure.ai Technologies Private Limited   | Existing Solution |

| Indicative problem statement                                                             | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Team Name                   | Solution Stage    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------|
|                                                                                          | AI/ML enabled MafPro device platform for cancer staging, localization, and margins. MafPro handheld detector provides a radiation-free, non-invasive, safe and cost-effective solution that can reliably detect and adequately evaluate metastases in lymph nodes using AI/ML based algorithms | SIAMAF Healthcare           | Prototype         |
| Strengthening ophthalmology outcomes using AI for detection and management of conditions | Impactful AI solution, preventing preventable blindness, for socio-economic transformation: DRISTi AI is a CE-marked, device-agnostic retinal screening solution detecting 16 DR-related abnormalities and 20 vision-threatening conditions.                                                   | Artelus                     | Existing Solution |
|                                                                                          | VoxelBox: SaaS platform that integrates advanced computational neuroscience, AI, and 3D visualization to provide clinicians with deeper insights into brain structure and function.                                                                                                            | BrainSightAI                | Prototype         |
|                                                                                          | Development of Ocellux: An AI-Based Solution for Enhanced Early Diabetic Eye Screening in INDIA: smartphone-based retinal imaging device designed for capturing high-resolution images of the retina and anterior segment                                                                      | Anself Dynamics Pvt. Ltd.   | Prototype         |
| Others: Patients Monitoring                                                              | AI Powered Wearable Technology for Detection& Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Joint Health Pain: non- invasive device that enables physiotherapists to assess joint health with precision.                                                                                                        | Team Pheezee                | Existing Solution |
| Others: Enabling Access to Healthcare                                                    | Revolutionizing healthcare using doctor-led AI: AI- powered personal doctor available 24x7 and free of cost, designed to assist people when they are sick, monitor their health through wearables, and act as a health coach to prevent diseases.                                              | Jivi Health Private Limited | Prototype         |

## · Agriculture: 8 applications have moved to the next stage under this theme with 1 prototype and 7 existing solutions.

| Indicative problem statement   | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                | Team Name                               | Solution stage    |
|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-------------------|
| Soil Testing and Advisory      | Krishi Sah'AI'yak - Farming Co-pilot: AI-powered conversational assistant providing personalized agricultural advisory in multiple Indic languages. | Samagra Development Associates Pvt. Ltd | Existing Solution |

| Indicative problem statement           | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Team Name                         | Solution stage    |
|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------|
|                                        | KissanCopilot Multilingual Multimodal personalized AI Assistant for small holder farmers: Powered by Dhenu's vertical LLM for agriculture, provides personalized agricultural advisory services to smallholder farmers.                                                    | Titodi Infotech Pvt Ltd           | Existing Solution |
|                                        | Rapid, chemical-free soil testing solution using NIR Spectroscopy &AI/ML models: End-to-end soil testing approach leverages an offline app, AI- powered spectral device, and ML models to deliver timely, chemical-free soil analysis.                                     | Neoperk Technologies Pvt. Ltd.    | Existing Solution |
| Others: Carbon Credits for Soil Health | MRV: in-house developed MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) technology designed to ensure the integrity and quality of generated carbon credits.                                                                                                                | Varaha Climate AG Private Limited | Existing Solution |
| Water and Fish Monitoring              | Kadalcompass - We Amplify the voice of water using Hydro-AI,Underwater com,IoUT with Sensor Network: 5G-enabled device that transforms fishing practices using AI, IoUT, and advanced communication technologies                                                           | Innogle Technologies Pvt LTD      | Existing Solution |
| Water and Fish Monitoring              | AI-Driven Live Fish Logistics and Mortality Reduction in Aquaculture: AI-driven solution optimizes aquaculture operations by monitoring water quality, predicting potential issues, and providing prescriptive recommendations to ensure fish health and reduce mortality. | SNRAS PVT LTD                     | Existing Solution |
| Quality of produce                     | AI-Deep tech driven quality assessment of maize: Traceability of the maize quality from farm to processing units provides unique and important value for the entire product chain in the market                                                                            | RootsGoods (OPC) Pvt. Ltd.        | Existing Solution |
| Quality of produce                     | Q-scan: AI-powered IoT solution that captures critical data throughout the fresh produce lifecycle, providing real-time analysis of food quality and actionable insights to sellers.                                                                                       | Qzense Labs Pvt Ltd               | Prototype         |

· Governance: 4 applications have moved to the next stage under this theme with 1 prototype and 3 mature solutions.

| Indicative problem statement              | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                                                                                              | Team Name                                | Solution Stage    |
|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| Public service access                     | ConvoZen.AI: AI-powered conversational platform that automates customer engagement across channels like chat, voice, email, and social media, offering fast, personalized, and multilingual support.                              | Nobroker Technologies Solutions Pvt. Ltd | Existing Solution |
| Public service access                     | AI contact center: AI-powered technologies like machine translation, NLP, ASR and TTS, and multilingual voice recognition to enhance governance by improving communication and accessibility across India's linguistic diversity. | Devnagri AI Pvt. Ltd                     | Existing Solution |
| Grievance Redressal and Legal Support     | Adalat AI: AI solutions for Courts: legal tech solution leverages AI-driven transcription to automate court processes, reducing India's overwhelming judicial delays.                                                             | Legsys.AI Technology Foundation          | Prototype         |
| Others: Improving Internal Administration | Gov.Civis.Vote: Leverages Civis' proven public consultation framework and integrates advanced technologies to create a unified platform for governments.                                                                          | Civic Innovation Foundation              | Existing Solution |

- Assistive technologies for learning disabilities: 6 applications have moved to the next stage under this theme with 2 ideas, 2 prototype and 2 mature solutions.

| Indicative problem statement            | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                                                                                  | Team Name                                   | Solution Stage    |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| Early Identification for SLDs           | Jiveesha: AI-powered platform for diagnosing Specific Learning Disabilities using advanced software and a plug-and-play device.                                                                                       | Daira Edtech Private Limited                | Idea              |
|                                         | ScreenPlay - a digital game-based screening tool or autism and related disorders: AI-driven, game-based platform designed for early identification and intervention of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children aged 3-6. | Kidaura Innovations Pvt Ltd                 | Existing Solution |
| Enhanced Multimedia Accessibility tools | Readabled (Online Dyslexia Training): web-based application designed to help children with dyslexia improve phonetic awareness through interactive exercises.                                                         | Hermit Labs Pvt. Ltd.                       | Existing Solution |
|                                         | Voice fusion AI: adaptive voice cloning platform designed to empower speech-impaired individuals to                                                                                                                   | PerpetualBlock Technologies Private Limited | Prototype         |

| Indicative problem statement                              | Title of the Project and Description                                                                                                                             | Team Name       | Solution Stage   |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------|
|                                                           | express themselves through emotionally connected, lifelike voice outputs,                                                                                        |                 |                  |
| Solutions that address both indicative problem statements | Adaptive Learning and Detection for SLDs : advanced AI techniques to detect Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. | IITK- MadhavLab | Prototype        |
|                                                           | Special Educator AI: AI-driven system designed to address India's shortage of special educators and support children with Specific Learning Disorders.           | Viranc Infotech | Idea             |

## Annexure II Details of IndiaAI Data & AI labs in Karnataka

|   Sr. No. | State     | Name of ITI              |
|-----------|-----------|--------------------------|
|         1 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Guttal          |
|         2 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Wadi            |
|         3 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Mundagod        |
|         4 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Ramanagar       |
|         5 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Kolar           |
|         6 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Vitla           |
|         7 | Karnataka | ITI Challakere           |
|         8 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Maddur          |
|         9 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Naragund        |
|        10 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Ramdurg         |
|        11 | Karnataka | Govt ITI KMDoddi         |
|        12 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Nesargi         |
|        13 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Mangalore Grama |
|        14 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Kukanoor        |
|        15 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Talakal         |
|        16 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Sira            |
|        17 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Saudatti        |
|        18 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Turuveke        |
|        19 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Guledagudda     |
|        20 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Hanumasagara    |
|        21 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Pavagada        |
|        22 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Nippani         |
|        23 | Karnataka | Govt ITI Victalapur      |

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