Gujarat CM Approves to Set Up IAIRO at GIFT City
To enhance research and development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) within the nation, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has provided preliminary approval for the creation of the Indian AI Research Organization (IAIRO) in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, the Government of India, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
Gujarat has taken the lead by being the first state in the nation to create an artificial intelligence research organization through a Public-Private Partnership model.
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The newly established organization, known as IAIRO, will operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle within GIFT City starting from 1 January 2026. It will be formally registered as a Section 8 non-profit company under the Companies Act of 2013.
An estimated budget of around Rs.300 crore has been earmarked for the initial five years of the project, with an equitable distribution of 33.33 percent from the state government, central government, and private partners.
The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, comprising 23 prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Cipla, Torrent Pharma, and Sun Pharma, has signed on as the primary private partner and is committed to contributing Rs.25 crore in the fiscal year 2025–26.
This initiative is in accordance with the goals outlined in the India AI Mission by the Government of India and the AI Action Plan of the Gujarat Science and Technology Department. Additionally, the state government has established an AI Task Force to support sustainable growth and improve services in areas like healthcare, education, and agriculture through the use of artificial intelligence.
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IAIRO is poised to serve as a diverse AI center with various disciplines in mind. IAIRO specializes in cutting-edge AI research and development, designing AI-driven products and solutions, and fostering partnerships among academia, industry, startups, and government entities.
Additionally, IAIRO will prioritize intellectual property generation, skill enhancement, and policy analysis, while functioning under a hybrid computational framework that combines national platforms like IndiaAI Cloud with on-site GPU resources.
The initiative led by Gujarat aims to cultivate a proficient workforce in artificial intelligence, foster advancement in cutting-edge technologies, and enhance India's global competitiveness in the AI industry.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed confidence in the state's potential to serve as India's foremost digital hub, emphasizing its progress in artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, startup innovation, and global capability centers. Patel underscored the state government's alignment with the national AI vision set forth by the Central government, emphasizing the preparation for widespread implementation of AI solutions in governance.
He observed that the system will enable the public to utilize government services via a unified digital platform. He stated that the programs announced during the conference will integrate AI into the core of the 'Viksit Gujarat 2047' plan and make a substantial contribution to the overarching vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.
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The state government has signed two Memorandums of Understanding, one with Google and BHASHINI to enhance multilingual AI tools and create models for the Gujarati language, and another with GIFT City and Henox to set up a cable landing station. Authorities have expressed that this initiative will enhance worldwide digital connectivity and promote environmentally-friendly data centers in Gujarat.