Maharashtra AI Policy 2026: ₹10,000 Cr Investment Goal
Key Highlights
Maharashtra approves AI Policy 2026, targeting ₹10,000 Cr investment & 1.5 Lakh jobs by 2031. Aims to become an AI innovation hub with new mission & cities.
The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the ‘AI Policy 2026,’ with the ambitious goal of attracting over ₹10,000 Cr in investments and generating 1.5 Lakh jobs by 2031. This strategic move aims to establish Maharashtra as a leading national hub for artificial intelligence innovation.
The policy outlines the creation of a Maharashtra AI Mission, complemented by five AI innovation cities and six sectoral Centres of Excellence. A significant component of the policy is the objective to train 2 Lakh youths and professionals, thereby building a robust and skilled AI workforce.
Structured around seven core pillars—infrastructure, data ecosystems, skilling, innovation, startup support, sectoral deployment, and governance—the policy draws inspiration from the Central government’s ‘IndiaAI Mission’ framework. On the infrastructure front, the state plans to develop a shared computing backbone, offering at least 2,000 GPUs through a ‘compute-as-a-service’ model. Additionally, a State AI Data will be established, along with the development of datasets in Marathi, regional dialects, and tribal languages.
To foster AI adoption, the policy includes provisions for financial support to 5,000 MSMEs and the establishment of a ₹500 Cr AI startup fund, with the state contributing ₹250 Cr. It also proposes the setup of 12 AI incubators, offering grants up to ₹1 Cr for startups and ₹1.25 Cr for women-led ventures. Further incentives such as capital subsidies, stamp duty exemptions, and power tariff benefits are included. A governance framework for responsible AI use is also introduced, mandating annual AI readiness audits across government departments.
In parallel, the Goa government has released a draft AI policy aimed at positioning the state as a global high-tech innovation hub. This draft policy, open for public consultation for 15 days from May 4, focuses on AI skilling, startup promotion, innovation ecosystems, governance, and research infrastructure. Goa is also exploring the development of Large Language Models (LLMs) under a proposed ‘Goa AI Mission 2027’ and considering restrictions on social media access for children under 16, while promoting AI-powered educational tools.
These developments occur as India continues to refine its AI policy approach. While previously favouring a