The Uttar Pradesh government plans to support the establishment of at least 50 world-class AI startups in Lucknow over the next five years, as the state seeks to position the city as a major hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The announcement was made by Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh, during an event marking the 10th anniversary of the HCLTech campus in Lucknow. He also urged HCLTech to partner with the state government in building Lucknow’s AI innovation ecosystem and helping startups scale globally.
The state government plans to develop Lucknow as a hub for AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, computing technology and deep tech, moving beyond its existing position as an IT services destination.
The Chief Minister also launched Phase 2 of HCLTech IT City Lucknow, involving an investment of approximately ₹500 crore.
The expansion will cover around 9.5 lakh sq. ft. across 20 acres and include a new IT building with capacity for approximately 5,000 seats, along with multilevel parking and other modern facilities. The project is expected to generate around 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech, said Uttar Pradesh remains the karmabhoomi and home of the HCL Group. She said HCLTech’s investment in Lucknow reflects the company’s belief that global technology capabilities and talent can be developed beyond major metropolitan centres when the necessary infrastructure and opportunities are available.
She also announced an AI training programme for 1,000 students from local colleges, aimed at building future-ready technology skills and improving access to career opportunities.
Uttar Pradesh targets higher IT and electronics exports
Yogi Adityanath highlighted the growth of Uttar Pradesh’s technology sector, noting that the state’s IT and ITES exports have crossed ₹1 lakh crore, up from around ₹12,000–15,000 crore a decade ago. The government has set a target of ₹2.5 lakh crore over the next four years.
Electronics exports have also increased from approximately ₹3,800 crore to ₹45,000 crore, with the state targeting ₹2 lakh crore by 2030.
The state currently has operational IT parks in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Meerut and Agra, while new IT parks are being developed in Varanasi, Bareilly, Kanpur and Gorakhpur.
Under its new Startup Policy, Lucknow and Noida are being developed as deep-tech hubs, alongside efforts to establish an AI City and broader AI ecosystem in Lucknow.
The Chief Minister also highlighted HCL’s social development initiatives in Uttar Pradesh. Over the past decade, HCL Foundation programmes have reached more than 50 lakh people across over 3,000 villages, with initiatives spanning rural livelihoods, education and community development.
The launch of the second phase of HCLTech IT City, coupled with the proposed AI startup ecosystem, marks another step in the state’s efforts to attract technology investment, strengthen its talent pool and position Lucknow as a centre for emerging technologies.
