Lucknow emerges as AI hub with IBM GovTech centre launch | Fusion - WeRIndia

Uttar Pradesh expanded its digital footprint as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow.

The launch signals the state’s push to become a technology and innovation powerhouse.

Moreover, the event followed the successful AI India Impact Summit 2026, recently hosted in New Delhi.

During the ceremony, Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reshaping India’s development trajectory.

He said that decisive and forward-looking leadership has accelerated progress in deep technology, modern infrastructure, and overall national development across various sectors, thereby strengthening India’s global standing.

Over the past eleven years, he added, India has achieved globally recognised milestones. Furthermore, platforms across sectors now showcase the rapid growth of Digital India.

The newly launched centre, developed by IBM, is located at Platinum Mall in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow. The facility ranks among the company’s largest software development labs.

It will focus on generative AI and agentic AI technologies. Additionally, the lab will drive innovation in automation, cybersecurity, sustainability, and data solutions.

Importantly, the centre plans to build AI-powered tools using Large Language Models and Small Language Models.

These solutions will address emerging business demands in India and abroad. As a result, Uttar Pradesh expects stronger participation in the global digital economy.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also highlighted key infrastructure upgrades. He announced the rollout of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro ahead of Holi. According to him, these projects will transform regional connectivity.

He noted that a decade ago, travelling from Meerut to Delhi required four to five exhausting hours. However, expressways and a 12-lane highway have reduced the journey to about 40-45 minutes. Therefore, the addition of rapid rail and metro services will further shrink distances.

Together, the AI centre and transport projects reflect Uttar Pradesh’s parallel focus on digital advancement and physical infrastructure.

Image Credit: Heinz OSM, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Uttar_Pradesh_districts.png