At Google’s I/O Connect India 2026 event in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar revealed plans for a new green data centre and the establishment of the country’s first and largest AI university to nurture AI talent in the state.
- Karnataka to build green data centre and AI university
- AIIMS Delhi uses Google MedGemma models for healthcare
- Google supports education and digital health expansion
What happened
During the Google I/O Connect India 2026 event in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the state government’s plans to launch a next-generation green data centre in a coastal district near Bengaluru. Additionally, the government aims to establish India's first and largest artificial intelligence university focused on building AI talent for the future.
Besides infrastructure announcements, the event showcased AI developments in healthcare and education. AIIMS Delhi is actively implementing Google’s MedGemma models to improve diagnosis and management of skin conditions, leprosy, and reproductive health. Google DeepMind is also collaborating with national health authorities on the Aarogya Setu 2.0 app and expanding AI-driven educational tools in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission.
Why it matters
Karnataka’s commitment to building a green data centre aligns with global ambitions to promote sustainable technology infrastructure, reducing environmental impact while supporting the growing digital economy. The proposed AI university represents a major investment in talent development, addressing the country's critical need for skilled AI professionals as technology adoption accelerates.
The application of AI models like MedGemma in healthcare represents a significant leap in addressing complex and localized medical challenges in India by bringing multimodal AI tools to frontline healthcare providers. The integration of Google’s AI technologies into nationwide digital health initiatives such as Aarogya Setu 2.0 signals a transformative step towards more accessible, data-driven health management for millions.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor the development progress and operational timelines of Karnataka’s green data centre and AI university, assessing how these infrastructure investments impact the region’s AI ecosystem and sustainability goals. The university’s curriculum and research directions will be critical to shaping India’s AI talent pipeline.
The scaling of AI tools in healthcare and education, including further rollouts of MedGemma models and ATL Saathi assistant apps, will demonstrate how AI-driven technologies can enhance service delivery. Additionally, further advancement of the Aarogya Setu 2.0 app leveraging Google’s AI models could set new standards for digital health platforms nationwide.