Govt Plans to Set Up AI Centre of Excellence at IIT-P
Patna: The Bihar state government has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, located in Bihta. The initiative is estimated to cost around Rs 60 crore and was discussed during the second high-level meeting of the Bihar AI Mission, chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit.
Funding and Infrastructure
According to officials, approximately 11 acres of land on the IIT campus has been earmarked for the proposed AI centre. The funding for the project will be a collaborative effort, with the Centre and the state government each contributing Rs 24 crore. An additional Rs 12 crore is expected to be sourced from industry partners. However, it is important to note that this proposal is currently in the recommendation stage.
Significance of the AI Centre
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it signifies Bihar’s readiness to engage in AI development on both national and international platforms. The state government plans to set up a pavilion at the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, scheduled for February 16 to 20, which will further highlight its commitment to advancing AI technologies.
Objectives of the AI Centre
The meeting highlighted several key objectives for the AI Centre of Excellence:
- Development of high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.
- Acquisition of advanced AI tools and platforms.
- Operational expenses management.
- Building skilled manpower in the field of AI.
Pratyaya noted that Bihar is transitioning from a focus solely on infrastructure development to becoming a ‘knowledge economy’ that leverages cutting-edge technology. He stated, “The use of AI is not just a technological shift; it will become a powerful tool for good governance in Bihar.”
Potential Applications of AI in Bihar
The state government aims to utilize AI in various sectors, including:
- Flood Forecasting: Enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of flood warnings.
- Agriculture: Improving crop yields through disease detection and management.
- Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare delivery in remote and rural areas.
- Education: Preparing students for future employment opportunities through AI-driven learning tools.
- Data-Driven Governance: Utilizing AI for transparent delivery of welfare benefits and informed decision-making.
Next Steps in Implementation
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Pratyaya directed all relevant departments to prepare a detailed strategy and roadmap for the AI Centre of Excellence. This preparation is crucial to ensure that on-ground work can commence swiftly after the proposal is finalized.
Stakeholder Involvement
The meeting was attended by several key stakeholders, including:
- Abhay Kumar, Secretary of the Information Technology Department.
- Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries from various departments such as Education, Agriculture, Urban Development, Housing, Health, and Industries.
- Dr. Mahesh Kumar, CEO of Tiger Analytics.
- Harshvardhan Kumar, CEO of Avisys Technologies.
- Sopnendu Mohanty, CEO of GFTN.
- Prof. Pritam Kumar from IIT Patna.
Conclusion
The establishment of the AI Centre of Excellence at IIT Patna represents a significant step forward for the state of Bihar in embracing modern technology and innovation. By focusing on AI, the government aims to enhance various sectors, ultimately improving the quality of life for its citizens and fostering economic growth.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates and proposals from the Bihar state government as of February 2026.
