The Uttar Pradesh Government will support the establishment of at least 50 AI startups in Lucknow over the next five years as part of efforts to develop the city into a hub for artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the announcement while addressing an event marking the 10th anniversary of the HCL Tech Lucknow campus. He also urged HCL Tech to partner with the state government to develop Lucknow as a leading AI innovation city and strengthen its technology startup ecosystem.
The Chief Minister said Lucknow should expand beyond its role as an IT services centre and develop capabilities in AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, computing technology and deep tech. The state government plans to provide support to startups, help strengthen their operations and facilitate their access to global markets. He said Uttar Pradesh’s IT and IT-enabled services exports have increased from around ₹12,000–15,000 crore a decade ago to more than ₹1 lakh crore. The state has set a target of ₹2.5 lakh crore in IT and ITES exports over the next four years.
Electronics exports from Uttar Pradesh have also increased from around ₹3,800 crore to ₹45,000 crore. The government has set a target of ₹2 lakh crore in electronics exports 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 the new Startup Policy, Noida and Lucknow are being developed as deep-tech hubs, with work also progressing towards establishing an AI City and a broader AI ecosystem in Lucknow.
The Chief Minister also launched Phase 2 of HCL IT City Lucknow. The expansion will involve an investment of approximately ₹500 crore and will cover around 9.5 lakh square feet across 20 acres. The project will include a new IT building with capacity for approximately 5,000 seats, along with multilevel parking and other facilities. The expansion is expected to generate around 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities and add to the technology infrastructure available in Lucknow.
HCL Tech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra said Uttar Pradesh is the karmabhoomi and home of the HCL Group. She said the company’s investment in HCL IT City Lucknow reflects its belief that global technology and talent can develop beyond metropolitan cities when supported by the required infrastructure and opportunities. She also announced that HCL Tech will launch an AI training programme for 1,000 students from local colleges. The programme will focus on providing students with skills relevant to emerging technology and future employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted HCL’s social development programmes in Uttar Pradesh, which have reached more than 50 lakh people across over 3,000 villages through initiatives covering rural livelihoods, education and community development. The HCL Tech Lucknow campus completed 10 years in 2026, with the next phase of expansion expected to further strengthen the city’s position in Uttar Pradesh’s technology ecosystem.
