Chandigarh: Chandigarh is set to get its own Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI-CoE). This development has the potential to transform the city into a hub of AI-driven governance, innovation and startup-led technological solutions.The proposed centre will help govt departments deploy artificial intelligence to improve public services and decision-making. It will also facilitate creation of a dedicated eco-system for research, entrepreneurship and skill development in emerging technologies.“The Chandigarh administration has initiated the process of establishing the AI-CoE under the ministry of electronics and information technology’s (MeitY) India AI Startup Financing Pillar scheme,” said a UT official.Envisioned as a bridge between govt, academia and industry, the centre is expected to develop practical AI-based solutions for urban and administrative challenges.Focus on governance and innovationAccording to the proposal, the administration will first identify key domains within Chandigarh’s governance eco-system and document specific problem statements that can be addressed through AI-enabled interventions. “The centre of excellence will focus on developing practical solutions for administrative and civic challenges, with an emphasis on real-world implementation. It is planned to come up in the Chandigarh IT park,” the official said.The Information Technology department will serve as the nodal agency for the project and will oversee the selection of an implementing agency through a screening and approval committee. Proposals will be invited from institutions and organisations with the required technical expertise and implementation capabilities.The proposal will undergo a two-stage approval process, first at the Chandigarh administration level and subsequently by MeitY for final sanction and funding support.PEC likely to play key rolePunjab Engineering College (PEC) is expected to play a central role in the initiative by undertaking testing, piloting and development of AI-based solutions in collaboration with industry partners and funding agencies.Officials believe the partnership will help bridge the gap between academic research and practical governance applications while creating opportunities for innovation and technology transfer.Part of National IndiaAI MissionThe proposed centre is part of MeitY’s IndiaAI Startup Financing Pillar, which aims to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and governance.Under the scheme, Chandigarh has been classified as a low-population region and is required to establish at least one AI centre of excellence. Five such centres have been approved across the country, including two in Kerala that received administrative approval in May this year.BOX: Startup hub and advanced research facility–Apart from supporting governance applications, the AI-CoE will function as a dedicated innovation hub for startups, researchers and entrepreneurs–The facility will provide co-working spaces, incubation support, mentorship programmes and investor-connect opportunities–The centre will focus on emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, cyber security, quantum computing and the Internet of Things (IoT)–Plans also include advanced AI laboratories equipped with high-performance computing infrastructure, specialised software tools and sandbox environments for research and product developmentShared funding modelThe funding will be through a collaborative framework under which MeitY is expected to contribute around 40% of the project cost, while the Chandigarh administration will provide a matching 40% share. The remaining 20% will be mobilised through industry and academic partners.