The Karnataka government on Thursday held discussions with artificial intelligence company Anthropic on a potential long-term partnership. The collaboration aims to cover governance, higher education, healthcare, research and the state’s startup ecosystem.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met a delegation led by Michael Sellitto, Anthropic’s head of International Policy. Karnataka Minister for Home Affairs Priyank Kharge was also present at the meeting.
According to government sources, the discussions focused on the use of artificial intelligence in public administration and enterprise applications. It emphasised on responsible AI deployment, data privacy and data sovereignty.
The chief minister outlined the state’s plans to develop an AI ecosystem around a proposed AI university, skilling programmes and support for deep-tech startups. Both sides discussed introducing AI certification programmes, including Claude certification, through Karnataka’s NIPUNA initiative to expand AI training opportunities.
The meeting also explored the use of AI in healthcare, life sciences and scientific research, including potential collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Anthropic expressed interest in supporting AI research and skilling initiatives in higher education.
Among the other issues, data residency and the storage of government data within the state were also discussed.
Officials also discussed forming department-wise working groups to identify AI applications across government departments, including e-governance and the home department.
During the meeting, Shivakumar sought Anthropic’s inputs on the use of AI to reduce fraud in government systems. He discussed improving the security and confidentiality of question paper preparation for examinations conducted by government agencies and educational institutions.
The chief minister also proposed subsidised access to Anthropic’s Claude AI platform for higher education institutions such as Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), to support AI education and research.
The discussions also covered support for Karnataka’s startup ecosystem, particularly deep-tech startups, and possible AI pilot projects in areas such as tax administration and public service delivery.
The Anthropic delegation included Chris Ciauri, managing director, International Markets; Irina Ghose, managing director, India; Amlan Mohanty, head of India Policy; and Samarth Masson, who leads Go-to-Market initiatives for the Public Sector, Health and Education.
The meeting is significant as the Karnataka government is positioning itself as a hub for artificial intelligence. It has proposed an AI-driven Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT), popularly referred to as the Bidadi AI City.
Anthropic, meanwhile, has been under increased scrutiny internationally over the deployment and security of advanced AI models. Governments in several countries are evaluating policies on the use of frontier AI systems in public institutions.
