New Delhi, Oct 07: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Uttar Pradesh Government is committed to establishing Lucknow among India’s leading AI innovation cities and will develop a strong innovation ecosystem over the next five years.
Addressing a programme organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the HCL Tech Lucknow campus, the Chief Minister said the government will extend full support to establish at least 50 world-class AI startups in Lucknow, strengthen them and help them reach global markets. He also urged HCL Tech to partner with the state government in this initiative.
The Chief Minister said Lucknow must evolve beyond being an IT services centre and emerge as a major hub for AI, semiconductors, cyber security, computing technology and deep tech, with the government and industry working together to build the ecosystem.
He highlighted the transformation in Uttar Pradesh’s technology and infrastructure landscape, noting that the state’s IT and ITES exports have grown from around ₹12,000–15,000 crore a decade ago to over ₹1 lakh crore, with a target of ₹2.5 lakh crore in the next four years. Electronics exports have also increased from around ₹3,800 crore to ₹45,000 crore, with a target of ₹2 lakh crore by 2030.
The Chief Minister also noted that IT parks are now operational in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Meerut and Agra, while new IT parks are being developed in Varanasi, Bareilly, Kanpur and Gorakhpur. Under the new Startup Policy, Noida and Lucknow are being developed as deep-tech hubs, while work is progressing towards developing India’s first AI City and a comprehensive AI ecosystem in Lucknow.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched Phase-2 of HCL IT City Lucknow. The expansion will develop approximately 9.5 lakh square feet on 20 acres, with an investment of around ₹500 crore. The project will include a new IT building, capacity for around 5,000 seats, multilevel parking and modern facilities, and is expected to create approximately 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
HCL Tech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra said Uttar Pradesh is the karmabhoomi and home of the HCL Group, adding that the decision to invest in HCL IT City Lucknow reflected the company’s belief that global technology and talent can develop beyond metropolitan cities when the right opportunities and infrastructure are available. She also announced an AI training programme for 1,000 students from local colleges to provide future-ready skills and career opportunities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted HCL’s contribution to social development through its programmes in Uttar Pradesh. Over the past 10–11 years, HCL’s programmes have reached more than 50 lakh people and over 3,000 villages, with initiatives focused on rural livelihoods, education and development.
The event marked a decade of HCL Tech’s presence in Lucknow and underscored the shared journey between the state and the technology company, with a focus on strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s technology ecosystem, creating new opportunities for its young workforce and positioning Lucknow as a global hub for emerging technologies.