Engineers working on AI infrastructure in a bustling Mumbai tech lab.
The Maharashtra cabinet has approved its ‘AI Policy 2026’, a strategic move designed to position the state as a national hub for artificial intelligence innovation. The policy targets attracting over ₹10,000 Cr in investments and generating approximately 1.5 Lakh jobs by 2031.
Central to the policy is the establishment of a Maharashtra AI Mission, alongside the development of five AI innovation cities and six sectoral Centres of Excellence. The initiative also includes a significant focus on workforce development, with plans to train 2 Lakh youth and professionals to build a robust AI talent pool.
Structured around seven key pillars—infrastructure, data ecosystems, skilling, innovation, startup support, sectoral deployment, and governance—the policy draws inspiration from the Centre’s ‘IndiaAI Mission’ framework. On the infrastructure front, Maharashtra plans to create a shared computing backbone offering at least 2,000 GPUs through a ‘compute-as-a-service’ model. A State AI Data Exchange will be established, with efforts to develop datasets in Marathi, regional dialects, and tribal languages.
To stimulate AI adoption, the policy outlines financial support for 5,000 MSMEs and the creation of a ₹500 Cr AI startup fund, with the state contributing ₹250 Cr. Furthermore, 12 AI incubators are proposed, offering grants of up to ₹1 Cr for startups and ₹1.25 Cr for women-led ventures. The policy also includes incentives such as capital subsidies, stamp duty exemptions, and power tariff benefits, alongside a governance framework for responsible AI use, including annual AI readiness audits across government departments.
This development in Maharashtra follows Goa’s recent release of its draft AI policy, which also aims to establish the state as a high-tech innovation hub. Goa’s policy, currently open for public consultation, focuses on AI skilling, startup promotion, innovation ecosystems, governance, and research infrastructure, with considerations for developing Large Language Models (LLMs) under a proposed ‘Goa AI Mission 2027’.
These state-level initiatives underscore a growing trend in India towards fostering AI capabilities, moving beyond the initial ‘light-touch’ approach to policy. As concerns around cybersecurity and AI risks mount, the central government is reassessing its stance, evidenced by the establishment of the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) and a Technology and Policy Expert Committee to evaluate regulatory gaps.
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