Mumbai: In a major push towards building AI infrastructure in the state, the Maharashtra Government on Wednesday approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy targeting a ₹10,000 crore investment to establish 6 AI Excellence Centres and 5 AI Innovation Cities. This initiative focuses on developing AI infrastructure, promoting 5,000 startups/MSMEs, creating 1.5 lakh jobs, and developing a pioneering ethical AI framework.
The Maharashtra AI policy will be implemented on the lines of the ‘India AI Mission ‘, by promoting research, innovation and responsible governance. It aims to transform multiple sectors including healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing, building on Maharashtra’s existing digital economy valued at Rs 6 lakh crore.
“The very essence of this policy is for Maharashtra to establish itself as a ‘Reference State’ for the ‘India AI Mission’ in the development of ethical Artificial Intelligence,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
According to him, there are many countries that are competing in the field of artificial intelligence at the global level, and notably, Maharashtra has set its own goal and established itself as a ‘National Centre for Ethical and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence Development’.
“Under the Maharashtra AI Mission, we plan to provide artificial intelligence skills training to two lakh youth and professionals in the State,” the CM said.
The policy envisages development of 50 AI tools and use-cases to increase adoption of AI across industries and businesses in the state.
The state plans to provide 2,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to build robust computing infrastructure required for implementation of the policy, and 5,000 MSMEs will receive financial support to adopt AI technologies.
The government will also set up a venture capital fund of Rs 500 crore to promote AI-based startups and unicorns, of which Rs 250 crore will be contributed by the state. Subsidies will also be provided for machinery purchases for AI-driven industries, officials said.
For the entry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into the AI domain, the government will provide 20 per cent subsidies to 5,000 MSMEs for their AI implementation costs, and a centralised platform ‘Maha AI Tools Hub’ to support this initiative. Further, an ‘AI Startup Venture Fund’ of ₹500 crore will be constituted, with contributions expected to be split equally between the government and the private sector (₹250 crore each). This is in line with the policy’s goal to set up at least one ‘AI Unicorn’ within the State.
Further, each start-up will be eligible to receive a grant of up to ₹1 crore, with women-led start-ups receiving an additional financial assistance of up to ₹2.5 crore, along with an additional 25 per cent aid.
Industries will be offered incentives such as a capital subsidy of up to 20 per cent on fixed capital investment, a 100 per cent waiver on stamp duty, electricity tariff subsidy of ₹2 per unit for up to 10 years, reimbursement of expenses up to ₹8 lakh for domestic patents and ₹10 lakh for international patents and reimbursement of certification costs up to ₹25 lakh. Industries participating in international exhibitions will be eligible for a rental reimbursement of up to ₹25 lakh.
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