The Maharashtra government has unveiled a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) policy with ambitious targets to attract over Rs 10,000 crore in investment by the fiscal year 2030-31. The policy is expected to generate more than 1.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs in AI and AI-enabled domains across the state.
Key Incentives and Subsidies
Under the new policy, AI units will be eligible for a capital subsidy of up to 20% of fixed capital investment (FCI), with a total allocation limit of Rs 2,000 crore. Additionally, the government will provide a 100% exemption on stamp duty for AI units, along with a power duty exemption. To promote participation in global events, AI units based in Maharashtra will receive reimbursement of exhibition rentals for national and international exhibitions, up to Rs 10 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, respectively.
Infrastructure and Innovation
The policy mandates the establishment of 12 AI incubators across Maharashtra, with two in each administrative division. This move aims to ensure balanced regional development and provide access to innovation infrastructure beyond major urban centers. Furthermore, six AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs) will be set up, one in each administrative division. The state will also establish the Maharashtra Applied AI Accelerator to drive prototypes, pilots, and innovation.
Skill Development and Adoption Targets
Key objectives include skill development for 2 lakh youth and professionals in AI, data, cloud, and emerging technologies. The policy aims to enable at least one AI use case per department in Maharashtra or a minimum of 50 AI use cases statewide. It also targets deploying at least 2,000 GPUs, with 1,000 in one AI region and the rest across other regions. Additionally, the state plans to establish AI Innovation Cities anchored within five Innovation Regions and support 5,000 MSMEs for AI adoption. The policy also aims to nurture at least one AI unicorn in Maharashtra.
Government Capacity Building
The policy emphasizes capacity building for government officials. Structured AI training programs tailored to different levels of responsibility and functional roles within the government will be designed to enhance institutional readiness for AI adoption, implementation, and governance.
Policy Framework
Announced in January 2025 and recently approved by the state cabinet, the AI policy is structured around seven core pillars aligned with the IndiaAI Mission. These pillars provide a focused framework for the development, adoption, and governance of AI in the state, enabling scalable AI adoption across government and industry.
