Lucknow: Over the past eight and a half years, Uttar Pradesh has been steadily progressing in new fields such as Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has left behind pre-2017 challenges and taken concrete steps towards becoming a new technology hub. CM Yogi’s vision is that by 2047, 15–20 “decacorn” companies (valued at 10 billion US dollars each) will be established in UP. To achieve this, futuristic technologies like IT, AI, and deep-tech are being promoted, and more than 40 million youth will be prepared as a globally skilled workforce.
Major changes in the past eight and a half years
Before 2017, there were neither concrete policy efforts nor a large vision for IT and the digital sector in the state. Software exports and digital infrastructure were extremely limited. Concepts like data centers existed only on paper, and the state was lagging behind in the technology race. However, after 2017, with Yogi government’s efforts, North India’s first data center has been established in Gautam Buddha Nagar. Work is underway on several more data centers. The state has also set records in software exports, rapidly establishing its identity on India’s and the global IT map.
Roadmap till 2030
In the short term, AI Cities will be developed in Lucknow and Kanpur by 2030. NCR, Lucknow, and Noida will be developed as Global Capability Center (GCC) hubs. Incubators will be set up in every division, and new unicorn startups (valued at 1 billion US dollars) will be encouraged. The government aims to create at least 20 unicorn startups by 2030. With ISRO’s cooperation, satellite launches will revolutionize disaster management and weather forecasting. Software exports will also be increased fivefold.
Long-term vision till 2047
In the medium and long term, by 2047, Uttar Pradesh aims to become a global leader in AI, quantum computing, and blockchain. The state will be established as a world-class technology corridor. During this period, 15–20 decacorn startups will be created, and UP will become the largest contributor to India’s IT exports.
Four strategic pillars and focus areas
The government’s strategy is based on four major pillars: AI City, Green IT and Sustainable Tech, GCC, and Space Technology. Key focus areas include AI and deep-tech innovation, expanding digital infrastructure to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, building a satellite ecosystem, global startup connect, cyber security and data protection, university startup innovation funds, and research hubs.
UP will become a skill capital
To accelerate the IT vision, CM Yogi Adityanath has placed skill development at the center. The goal is to train 100% of the state’s youth in industry-based skills and prepare a globally skilled workforce of over 40 million. The government also aims to place five of the state’s educational institutions among the world’s top 200. Youth will be prepared in line with Industry 4.0, and world-class universities and R&D centers will be established.
Target of a 6-trillion-dollar economy
The goal of “Developed UP @2047” is to make Uttar Pradesh’s economy reach 6 trillion dollars by 2047, which would be 20% of India’s estimated GDP. For this, the state will need to maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% from FY 2025–26 to FY 2047–48. This financial year, the Yogi government has set a target of a 353-billion-dollar economy, to be scaled up to 1 trillion dollars by 2030, 2 trillion dollars by 2036, and 6 trillion dollars by 2047. During this period, the per capita income of the state is also targeted to reach 2.6 million rupees.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision is clear: with the power of IT and skill development, UP can not only become India’s digital powerhouse but also establish itself as a global technology destination. These efforts will not only provide employment to the youth but also earn Uttar Pradesh a new identity on the world map.