Maharashtra focusing on developing AI and tech ecosystem in state, says CM Fadnavis

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Maharashtra is focusing on the development of artificial intelligence and technology, with Mumbai already established as a fintech capital, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 8 (HBTV): Maharashtra is focusing on the development of artificial intelligence and technology, with Mumbai already established as a fintech capital, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event IGF Mumbai NXT 25: Leading the Leap, the Maharashtra CM said the state is also working on transforming Gadchiroli—known for its dense forests, tribal communities, and natural beauty—into a business destination.

‘Mumbai is already a fintech capital. We are focusing on AI and technology. Our new destination for business is Gadchiroli... Big companies are investing in Maharashtra... We are developing a huge port in Konkan. This port will be three times bigger than Mumbai. This will create an absolute ecosystem,’ he said.

Fadnavis highlighted the state government’s intent to create a business-friendly environment by building innovation cities near Mumbai and developing a robust infrastructure ecosystem in the Mumbai-Pune region to enhance the ease of doing business.

On the subject of employment, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra is becoming a hub for data centres and is emerging as a start-up capital, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.

He emphasised that Maharashtra is leading the way in AI start-ups and shared details of investment proposals attracted at World Economic Forum meetings. ‘Eighty per cent of our MoUs are in action; we have offered them what we have planned. The remaining 20 per cent are also on track but slightly behind schedule. None of them (investors) are backing off,’ he said.

Addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, particularly to agriculture, Fadnavis stated: ‘We are also agri-economic too; we are trying to use AI modules in agriculture. Agriculture is very dependent on climate. We have announced a mission of AI in agriculture, and using AI modules, we want to make our agriculture more predictable.’

Commenting on the impact of reciprocal US tariffs, he acknowledged the effect on the supply chain but remained optimistic. ‘There will be an impact on the supply chain, but we will accommodate this. We also see opportunities in this, too,’ he added. (ANI)