CONTEXT

• Karnataka is a tech hub with over 1 million tech professionals.
• Bengaluru ranks 5th globally in the AI and big data ecosystem.
• Growing concerns over AI-induced workforce disruptions.
• The state government is proactively working to reskill and future-proof its workforce.

CONCEPT

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming jobs across sectors.
• There is a need to assess AI’s impact on employment, skill demand, and training gaps.
• The government aims to align skilling policies with AI-driven job evolution.
• Public-private partnerships (PPP) are being leveraged under CSR funding for upskilling.
• Nipuna Karnataka is the flagship reskilling and upskilling initiative.

CURRENT

• On June 18, 2025, Karnataka launched an AI Workforce Impact Survey.
• Objective: Understand AI’s effect on jobs, skills, and workforce trends.
• Stakeholders involved: Industry leaders, HR heads, technologists, and academia.
• Data collected will guide IT Policy 2025 and skill interventions under Nipuna Karnataka.
• The survey is open till June 27, 2025; responses are confidential and anonymous.
• In November 2024, a Center of Excellence in AI was approved in Bengaluru with ₹28 crore investment.
• Nipuna Karnataka launched in September 2024 with a ₹300 crore budget:
  • ₹100 crore from the state government.
  • ₹200 crore expected via CSR contributions from companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro.
• Despite official launch, Nipuna’s website is still non-operational.

The state aims to maintain its status as India’s AI capital by ensuring inclusive workforce development