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The Maharashtra cabinet has approved ‘AI Policy 2026’, targeting investments of over ₹10,000 Cr and creation of 1.5 Lakh jobs by 2031, as the state looks to position itself as a national hub for AI innovation.

The policy proposes the launch of a Maharashtra AI Mission, alongside five AI innovation cities and six sectoral Centres of Excellence. It also aims to train 2 Lakh youth and professionals to build a skilled AI workforce.

Modelled on the Centre’s ‘IndiaAI Mission’ framework, the policy is built around seven pillars, including infrastructure, data ecosystems, skilling, innovation, startup support, sectoral deployment, and governance.

On the infrastructure front, the state plans to create a shared computing backbone with at least 2,000 GPUs under a ‘compute-as-a-service’ model. It will also establish a State AI Data Exchange and develop datasets in Marathi, regional dialects, and tribal languages.

To boost adoption, the policy outlines financial support for 5,000 MSMEs and the creation of a ₹500 Cr AI startup fund, with ₹250 Cr contribution from the state. It also proposes 12 AI incubators offering grants of up to ₹1 Cr for startups and ₹1.25 Cr for women-led ventures.

The policy further includes incentives such as capital subsidies, stamp duty exemptions, and power tariff benefits. It also introduces a governance framework for responsible AI use, including annual AI readiness audits across government departments.

Separately, the Goa government released a draft AI policy aimed at positioning the state as a global hub for high-tech innovation, while ensuring responsible and inclusive deployment of the technology.

The draft policy has been opened for public consultation and will be available for feedback for 15 days, starting May 4.

It focuses on areas such as AI skilling, startup promotion, innovation ecosystems, governance, and research infrastructure. The government is also exploring the development of LLMs under the proposed ‘Goa AI Mission 2027’.

Notably, the state is also deliberating on restricting social media access for children below 16 years of age, while promoting AI-powered educational tools as an alternative.

The draft framework also emphasises safety, accountability, and sectoral deployment across industries such as tourism, finance, and governance.

The developments come as India’s AI policy has so far followed a “light-touch” approach, prioritising innovation and economic growth while relying on principle-based safeguards instead of strict regulation.

However, with rapid advancements in AI raising concerns around cybersecurity, deepfakes, and risks to critical infrastructure, the Centre is now reassessing this stance.

Meanwhile, the government has set up the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) and a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) to evaluate regulatory gaps and shape future AI frameworks.

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