Reinforcing its position as India’s technology capital, Bengaluru on Thursday hosted the JAN AI Summit, an initiative aimed at taking artificial intelligence literacy from the city to the rural heartlands of Karnataka.
Bengaluru-based venture JAN AI, which is working with the state government, is spearheading efforts to ensure that AI awareness and adoption reach villages across the state.
Co-founder Madan Padaki said the vision is to move beyond theory and operationalise AI for real-world impact in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, while aligning with sustainable development goals.
From Bengaluru to government colleges statewide
Padaki said JAN AI is strategising with Karnataka’s higher education department to integrate AI into the curricula of government colleges. “We are in conversations with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission to collaborate with startups registered on the platform and implement ideas on the ground,” he said.
KDEM CEO Sanjeev Gupta highlighted that investments in AI could deliver nearly tenfold GDP impact, positioning the sector as a key driver of inclusive growth.
Building human-centred AI ecosystems
Padaki stressed that the Bengaluru-led initiative is focused on making technology work for people. “We began with three objectives: spreading AI awareness in villages, identifying use cases tailored for rural needs, and building district-level collaborations to facilitate knowledge transfer,” he explained.
By leveraging Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem and policy partnerships, JAN AI aims to empower youth and women while bridging the digital divide between urban innovation hubs and rural communities.
The summit underlined how Bengaluru continues to shape Karnataka’s digital future — not just for the city, but for the entire state.