Lucknow, India – IBM has opened an AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow, underscoring its focus on positioning AI as a foundational element of contemporary public administration.
The facility is intended to operate as a collaborative hub for the design, testing and expansion of responsible AI applications aimed at strengthening efficiency, accountability and public service outcomes.
As administrations globally respond to growing public expectations, more complex regulatory environments, and rapidly expanding data volumes, AI is increasingly viewed as central to operational performance. The centre is expected to develop solutions that can be replicated and adapted for wider implementation.
“AI will define the next era of government effectiveness and economic competitiveness. Around the world, and especially in India, we are seeing governments move decisively from exploration to execution,” Arvind Krishna, chairman, president and chief executive officer of IBM, stated.
“The Lucknow centre brings together IBM’s global AI leadership and a strong local talent ecosystem, with proximity to leading engineering and academic institutions.”
The centre was inaugurated with IBM entering into two Memorandums of Understanding with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to support AI-driven governance initiatives aligned with the state’s long-term development strategy.
Under an agreement with the Department of IT and Electronics, the parties will work through the new centre to identify and implement priority AI applications, while enhancing digital and AI capabilities across government departments.
A separate collaboration with the Directorate of School Education will introduce an AI literacy programme for students from grades 6 to 12 and for educators, to build foundational understanding and practical skills in artificial intelligence.
The Lucknow campus also includes a software development laboratory contributing to IBM’s global product portfolio, as well as a Consulting FutureNow Centre designed to support the delivery of transformation projects for clients internationally.
IBM is also working with academic institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), to develop scalable technology solutions in key areas for the state.
