The Karnataka government contacted AI firm Anthropic to collaboratively create industry-supported certification programs aiming to train as many as two lakh individuals in artificial intelligence (AI) before establishing its planned AI University.

The suggestion was made by CM D K Shivakumar at a meeting with an Anthropic team led by Michael Sellitto, Head of International Policy, requesting the company to help in developing the curriculum, producing teaching resources, and establishing an assessment framework for the certificate programs.

Electronics, IT/BT, and Home Minister Priyank Kharge, who organized the meeting, mentioned that collaborating with Anthropic will enable Karnataka to broaden AI education significantly more than what the company could achieve independently.

"Anthropic is likely capable of reaching 50,000 individuals on its own. However, if it collaborates with industry and the government, we can impact as many as two lakh individuals. Collectively, we can demonstrate large-scale disruption," he stated.

The certification programs are anticipated to be implemented via institutions like Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), UVCE, and IIIT Bangalore, aiming to provide students with AI skills recognized by the industry.

Moreover, the chief minister has emphasized the goal of creating a collaborative AI ecosystem focused on the planned AI University, extensive skilling programs, and support for deep-tech innovations. Simultaneously, both parties addressed Claude certification within the framework of the state's NIPUNA skilling initiative, as well as the suggested university-led certification program.

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The chief minister additionally requested Anthropic to provide discounted subscriptions to its Claude AI platform for engineering students and doctoral researchers.

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Finance Advisor L K Atheeq stated that the proposal could help at least 10,000 students attending engineering colleges linked to VTU.

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In a notable advancement, Karnataka is formulating a law to establish a specialized AI University and plans to present the Bill in the Winter Session of the state assembly, representing a crucial move towards creating a focused environment for AI education, research, and innovation.

As per L K Atheeq, Finance Advisor to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the university will start its operations from a current government facility until a permanent campus is established.