Home / Technology / Karnataka Reskills Talent to Prepare for AI Disruption, Maintain Tech Lead
Karnataka Reskills Talent to Prepare for AI Disruption, Maintain Tech Lead
3 Aug
Summary
- Karnataka plans to skill 500,000 people in AI, cybersecurity, and other tech
- State retains lead in IT exports, startups, and global capability centers
- Reskilling initiative aims to safeguard talent pool from AI-driven job losses

As of August 3rd, 2025, the Karnataka government is ramping up its efforts to reskill and upskill the state's workforce to prepare for the disruptions caused by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The state's IT and Biotechnology Minister, Priyank Kharge, has emphasized that while there may be some job losses due to AI, new opportunities will also emerge, and the government is taking proactive measures to future-proof its talent pool.
Karnataka's Nipuna Karnataka initiative, a ₹300 crore reskilling program, is industry-driven and industry-focused, with ambitious targets to train over 500,000 individuals in the coming financial year. The state aims to skill people in key areas such as AI, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and other in-demand technologies to cater to the global tech industry's needs.
According to Kharge, Karnataka retains a comfortable lead over its neighbors and other states in the technology sector, with strong data and performance vectors backing its position. The state is home to over 20,000 startups, more than 45 unicorns, and close to 800 global capability centers (GCCs) with over 1,500 units. Karnataka also contributes 21% of the national bioeconomy and 65% of the country's defense electronics manufacturing.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The minister emphasized that Karnataka's policies are backed by strong, actionable outcomes, such as the recent Quantum Roadmap, and the state's focus on innovation, collaboration, and building a robust ecosystem to attract entrepreneurs and corporations globally.