The Karnataka government is exploring the establishment of two advanced green data centers for AI infrastructure and a specialized AI University, stated Chief Minister D K Shivakumar during the inauguration of the Google I/O Connect India 2026 event on Tuesday.

"We are setting up a state-of-the-art green data centre in a coastal area and another close to Bengaluru." “This is a significant conversation we have engaged in,” Shivakumar remarked, suggesting Google's involvement in the initiative.

The chief minister, who established Bengaluru as a center for AI innovation, also revealed intentions to develop a government-backed AI University.

"We aim to establish the first and the biggest AI university supported by the government." Shivakumar stated, "Our goal is to build and cultivate a top-tier AI ecosystem."

Shivakumar states that Karnataka aspires to be an AI-native state, incorporating AI into governance and the delivery of public services. "We aim to build a vast ecosystem where our talent serves as our greatest asset," he mentioned.

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The declaration of green data centres arrives as the government expresses worry over the environmental sustainability of energy- and water-heavy data centres, which are essential to AI technology.

Hoskote, Bengaluru is among the sites under consideration for next-generation data centres. A 500 MW data center in this location would utilize 60 MLD of secondary-treated water sourced from the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board and solar energy from the 2,000 MW Pavagada Solar Park. Another potential site is Mangaluru in coastal Karnataka.

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“AI should aid teachers in enhancing their teaching, assist doctors in diagnosing illnesses sooner, provide farmers with improved advisory services, enable citizens to access government services with respect and efficiency, and empower small businesses to compete with confidence,” stated Shivakumar, who took office as chief minister in June.

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Shivakumar remarked that out of Google India’s 18,000 employees, 12,000 are based in Bengaluru.