29 April,2026 05:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
State to set up AI Innovation Cities, Excellence Centres under new AI policy. Representational Image
The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026, a major initiative aimed at boosting the state's position in emerging technologies. The policy proposes an investment of Rs 10,000 crore and aims to create around 1.5 lakh jobs in the sector, reported PTI.
According to the government, the focus of the policy is on large-scale employment generation, skill development, and strengthening AI infrastructure across the state.
Electronics, IT and AI Minister Ashish Shelar said, "The primary objective of the policy is large-scale employment generation." He added that 2 lakh youth will be trained in artificial intelligence technologies to prepare a skilled workforce for future demands.
As part of the plan, the state will set up:
-Six AI excellence centres
-Five AI innovation cities
The government also plans to develop 50 AI tools and use-cases to promote the adoption of artificial intelligence across industries. To support computing needs, Maharashtra will deploy 2,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) for high-performance AI development.
The policy includes strong support for businesses and startups. Around 5,000 MSMEs will receive financial assistance to adopt AI technologies.
A Rs 500 crore venture capital fund will be created to support AI startups and help build future unicorn companies, with Rs 250 crore contributed by the state government. In addition, incentives such as electricity tariff concessions, power subsidies, and stamp duty benefits will be offered to encourage AI adoption in education, industry and innovation, reported the news agency.
The government also plans to develop AI-based digital agents to simplify public interaction with administration services. Financial support will be provided to build Marathi and other local language databases to improve accessibility.
Officials said Maharashtra will be the first state in India to introduce a dedicated ethical AI framework, ensuring responsible use of artificial intelligence.
As per PTI reports, alongside the AI policy, the cabinet approved the MAJESTIC scheme (Maharashtra Accelerating Green Energy and Storage Technologies Integration in Connected Grid). The initiative aims to increase the use of renewable energy in the state.
The scheme will be funded through loans from the World Bank, and a preliminary report will be submitted to the Centre.
The cabinet also approved the formation of the Green Maharashtra Commission, which will lead an ambitious plantation drive targeting 300 crore trees across the state.
(With PTI Inputs)
