Maharashtra AI Policy 2026: 1.5 lakh jobs by 2031, big push for startups and AI infrastructure

The government of Maharashtra has approved an ambitious AI Policy 2026 aimed at attracting investments of more than Rs 10,000 crore and creating 150,000 jobs by 2031, as it seeks to position itself as a national hub for AI innovation.

The developments come as India continues to shape its broader approach to AI governance. Until now, India’s AI policy has largely followed a principle-based approach that prioritises innovation while balancing safeguards.

The policy includes the launch of a Maharashtra AI Mission, alongside plans to establish five AI innovation cities and six sectoral Centres of Excellence. It also sets a target of training 200,000 young people and professionals to build a skilled workforce aligned with emerging technological demands.

The policy’s primary objective was large-scale employment generation.

“Two lakh youth will be trained in AI technologies to build a skilled workforce aligned with emerging technological demands,” said Electronics, Information Technology and AI Minister Ashish Shelar.

Modelled on the federal government’s IndiaAI Mission framework,the policy is structured around seven broad pillars, covering AI infrastructure, local language data, workforce training, MSME adoption, startup incubation, sector-specific Centres of Excellence and ethical AI governance.

On infrastructure, the state plans to create a shared computing backbone with at least 2,000 graphics processing units under a “compute-as-a-service” model. A State AI Data Exchange will also be established, alongside efforts to develop datasets in Marathi, regional dialects and tribal languages.

To encourage adoption, financial support will be extended to 5,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). A Rs 500 crore AI startup fund will also be created, with Rs 250 crore contributed by the state.

The policy proposes 12 AI incubators, with support of up to Rs 1 crore for startups, while women-led ventures are eligible for additional assistance.

Additional incentives include capital subsidies, stamp duty exemptions and power tariff concessions.

The government also plans to develop around 50 AI tools and use-cases to expand adoption across industries, as well as AI-based systems to simplify interactions between citizens and public services.

A governance framework for responsible AI use will be introduced, including annual AI readiness audits across government departments. According to Electronics, Information Technology and AI Minister Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra aims to create a separate framework for ethical AI.

Separately, the cabinet approved the MAGESTIC scheme, Maharashtra Accelerating Green Energy and Storage Technologies Integration in Connected Grid, aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy.

It also cleared the establishment of the Green Maharashtra Commission to oversee a large-scale tree plantation drive targeting three billion trees.