Maharashtra Targets 1.5 Lakh AI Jobs as ImagiNxt 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Maharashtra has announced an ambitious artificial intelligence expansion roadmap aimed at creating more than 1.5 lakh AI-linked jobs and attracting over ₹10,000 crore in investments by 2031, positioning the state at the centre of India’s emerging technology economy.

The announcement was made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the inaugural edition of ImagiNxt 2026 held at the Jio World Convention Centre.

Addressing industry leaders, founders, investors and policymakers at the two-day event, Fadnavis said artificial intelligence would significantly reshape governance, businesses and everyday life, and Maharashtra intends to lead that transformation through its recently launched AI policy framework.

AI infrastructure and innovation push

As part of the state’s technology roadmap, Maharashtra plans to establish:

• Six AI Centres of Excellence
• Five AI Innovation Cities
• Twelve AI incubators
• A ₹500-crore AI Startup Fund
• Shared computing infrastructure with 2,000 GPUs

Fadnavis said the state’s long-term economic growth strategy would be heavily driven by technology, innovation and ease of doing business.

He highlighted Maharashtra’s economic expansion over the past decade, stating that the state economy had grown from ₹14 lakh crore in 2015 to nearly ₹54 lakh crore today while continuing to attract more than 31% of India’s total foreign direct investment inflows.

The state government is now targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

India’s broader technology ambitions

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, who delivered the keynote address, described the current decade as transformational for India’s innovation ecosystem.

He said sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, nuclear energy and space technology are expected to become major growth drivers for the country.

Singh also highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s private space ecosystem, noting that the country’s space economy is projected to grow from around $9 billion currently to nearly $40–45 billion over the next decade.

According to him, India’s space startup ecosystem has expanded from single-digit numbers to over 400 startups within five years following policy reforms and increased private participation.

He further pointed to the rise in defence manufacturing and exports, stating that India’s defence production crossed ₹1.5 lakh crore in 2025 while exports exceeded ₹23,000 crore.

A proposed ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund was also referenced as part of the country’s push to strengthen deep-tech capabilities and next-generation technologies.

ImagiNxt 2026 draws startups and investors

Hosted by Maharashtra Tourism, ImagiNxt 2026 has emerged as a major platform for discussions around AI, DeepTech, SpaceTech and digital infrastructure.

The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 attendees, with participation from over 150 speakers, 250 startups and 100 investors.

Founder and CEO Deepak Lamba said the platform was designed to strengthen collaboration between startups, investors, enterprises and policymakers shaping India’s next phase of innovation-led growth.

The event reflects growing momentum across India’s technology ecosystem as states and enterprises compete to build AI infrastructure, attract investment and create future-ready talent pipelines.