On May 21, 2026, Kerala took a significant step towards becoming a national hub for artificial intelligence by announcing the establishment of two dedicated Centres of Excellence (AI-CoEs). These initiatives, supported by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology through the IndiaAI Mission, represent a combined investment of ₹40 crore. The projects include a specialized Bio-AI Centre located in Kochi and a general-purpose AI-CoE situated in Thiruvananthapuram, both aimed at fostering technological advancement in the state.
The Bio-AI Centre in Kochi, spearheaded by the Kerala Startup Mission, is designed to leverage Kerala’s rich biodiversity, Ayurvedic heritage, and genomic research capabilities. This facility, powered by the Tejaswi supercomputer at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, aims to incubate approximately 48 deep tech startups over the next four years. The focus will be on developing AI applications in drug discovery, precision Ayurveda, and innovations in agriculture, particularly for the spice sector, potentially benefiting over 40,000 farmers.
- Investment of ₹40 crore — to enhance Kerala's AI capabilities.
- Focus on startup incubation — aims to nurture 48 deep tech startups.
- Collaboration with industry — involves public-private partnerships to drive innovation.
The AI-CoE in Thiruvananthapuram will feature a dedicated 10,000 sq ft facility that aims to bridge the gap between AI research and market-ready applications. This centre will focus on supporting startups through commercialization, skill development, and industry collaborations, ensuring that the solutions developed are tailored to the socio-economic needs of Kerala.
P.K. Kunhalikutty, Kerala's IT and Industries Minister, emphasized the importance of these projects, 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 poised to play a pivotal role in India's expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem, marking a new era of technology-led growth in the region.
