The Karnataka government is exploring pilot projects using voice and conversational AI from ElevenLabs across areas including skilling, investment promotion, healthcare, culture and citizen services.
The discussions took place in Bengaluru between Priyank M. Kharge, Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance, and a delegation from ElevenLabs. The meeting also included Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS; Avinash Menon Rajendran, Managing Director, KITS; and senior officials from the state government.
The proposed pilots are part of Karnataka’s broader effort to identify practical applications of AI in public services. The government said the focus is on areas where voice technology could improve access to services, support skills and employment outcomes, and make interactions with government systems easier for citizens.
Among the applications discussed was voice-enabled interview practice and skilling, including support for Indian languages. The discussions also covered voice-based assistance for prospective investors seeking information on opportunities and government schemes.
Healthcare was another area of discussion, including the potential use of voice technology to restore communication for people who have lost the ability to speak. Potential applications in cultural and other public-service initiatives were also considered.
The discussions also addressed risks associated with synthetic voice technology. The ElevenLabs team demonstrated a voice-enabled interview-practice tool and outlined its work on synthetic-audio detection, provenance, traceability and watermarking.
A key concern was the possibility of AI-generated voices being used to spread misinformation about government schemes, programmes and announcements. The discussions therefore included responsible AI and voice-safety measures, including safeguards against deepfakes and misinformation.
Kharge called for a roadmap covering the identified applications and said the teams should work towards an initial pilot capable of demonstrating measurable public impact.
“Karnataka has an opportunity to be at the forefront of translating AI innovation into better outcomes for citizens,” said Priyank M. Kharge, Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance. “Our approach is to engage with companies that are building some of the most capable technologies globally, understand where those technologies can solve real problems, and then move towards pilots that can be scaled across the state.”
He said potential applications could range from helping young people prepare for jobs and assisting investors in accessing information to improving citizen services and exploring healthcare applications, while stressing the need for AI delivery models to be effective, accessible and responsible.
The ElevenLabs team has also invited Kharge to participate in the company’s India Summit in Bengaluru in October, where its leadership is expected to discuss developments in voice AI and its applications in India.