IBM (NYSE: IBM) has launched its AI GovTech Innovation Center in Lucknow, strengthening its focus on positioning artificial intelligence as core infrastructure for modern governance. The facility was inaugurated by Yogi Adityanath in the presence of Arvind Krishna, Chairman, President and CEO, Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia, and Manindra Agrawal, Director of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, along with senior officials.
The Center will function as a collaborative platform to design, validate and scale trusted AI solutions aimed at improving productivity, transparency and public service delivery. Krishna said governments in India and globally are moving from AI exploration to execution, adding that the Lucknow hub combines IBM’s global AI leadership with strong local talent to deliver measurable public impact.
IBM signed two MoUs with the Uttar Pradesh government ; one with the Department of IT & Electronics to develop high-impact AI use cases and strengthen digital readiness, and another with the Directorate of School Education to roll out an AI literacy programme for students of Classes 6–12 and teachers.
The Lucknow campus also houses a Software Lab contributing to IBM’s global portfolio and a Consulting FutureNow Center. IBM is collaborating with IIT Kanpur and the Airawat Research Foundation to deploy AI-driven air quality monitoring solutions.
In Kolkata, IBM’s move could accelerate demand for AI-based governance and digital infrastructure projects in eastern India. With state governments in the region exploring data-driven public services, technology firms in Kolkata see growing opportunities for partnerships and AI adoption across sectors.
