Maharashtra will establish Bharat’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) University within the next six months, as part of the state’s transition from e-governance to i- governance and further to AI-driven governance, said Ashish Shelar, Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, at the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) 2025.
The Minister said the Bhumi Pujan of the AI University and AI City will be held within the next six months, with key groundwork including task force recommendations, land identification, and initial planning already completed. The AI University will focus on building talent, research capability, and innovation in artificial intelligence, aligned with industry and global requirements.
Shelar announced that Maharashtra is targeting the creation of four lakh skilled jobs in the IT and technology sector and ₹50,600 crore investment in technology and digital infrastructure under the state’s IT and innovation roadmap.
Highlighting governance reforms, the Minister said Maharashtra has successfully implemented e-governance, progressed to i-governance, and is now moving towards AI governance, where policy decisions and public service delivery will increasingly be supported by AI-based systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen outcomes.
On Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Shelar said Maharashtra aims to attract 50 per cent of global GCC investments. A dedicated GCC policy has been approved to provide a red-carpet approach, including simplified approvals, customised incentives, and sector-specific facilitation for global companies setting up operations in the state.
Addressing cybersecurity, the Minister said Maharashtra has created a strong, government-backed cybersecurity framework supported by advanced technology and specialised task forces. The state has developed Tier-1 and Tier-2 cybersecurity centres, along with a central cyber war room, to protect critical financial and economic systems. This framework has helped track and neutralise cyber threats effectively.
Shelar also outlined initiatives in emerging technologies, including quantum computing, space technology, and sustainable data centre development. Maharashtra is working on future-ready policies to promote private participation, innovation, and responsible infrastructure growth in these sectors.
The Minister said Maharashtra’s investor-friendly ecosystem is supported by strong infrastructure, metro and airport connectivity, digital public services, and single-window clearances. Innovation sandboxes, IT parks, and supporting infrastructure are being developed across key cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur.
Reiterating alignment between the state and central governments, Shri Shelar said Maharashtra is well positioned to lead Bharat’s technology growth story and emerge as a global hub for AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
Sanjay Khemani, Vice Chairman, WHEF 2025 Organising Committee, said, “WHEF is about translating vision into action. Bharat’s growth story is being written by MSMEs, manufacturers, startups, women entrepreneurs, and first-generation business leaders who build with discipline, integrity, and long-term thinking. When enterprise and effort come together, prosperity follows and sustains.”
T. R. Shiva Prasad, National Organising Secretary, Hindu Economic Forum, said, “WHEF is not limited to discussions at the global level. Our focus is on building strong economic systems at the grassroots by supporting local businesses through mentoring, access to capital, and market guidance. By connecting villages to national and global networks, we are creating a sustainable and self-reliant economic ecosystem.”
Day 2 of the World Hindu Economic Forum focused on MSMEs, manufacturing, startups, women entrepreneurs, and grassroots business models, with discussions centred on strengthening local enterprises, improving access to finance, and building scalable, sustainable economic systems across regions.