Lucknow: UP can now move towards building a dedicated deep-tech ecosystem, with the state cabinet clearing a proposal in this regard on Tuesday.To be known as U-hub, these specialised hubs will come up in Lucknow and Noida and serve as a platform for startups and companies working on next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, robotics and advanced biotechnology.“The U-hubs will come up at the IIIT Lucknow and the IIT Kanpur-Noida. The initiative is aimed at bringing research institutions, startups, investors and industry together around technology-intensive sectors requiring specialised infrastructure and research capabilities,” principal secretary IT and electronics department, UP, Alok Kumar told TOI after the cabinet meeting.The two centres will have distinct technology priorities. The Noida hub, spread over two acres on IIT Kanpur Noida campus, will focus on quantum and advanced computing, semiconductor design and OSAT, physical AI and robotics, defence technology and biotechnology, including advanced therapeutics, precision medicine and genomics.The Lucknow hub, spread over four acres at IIIT Lucknow, will focus on applied AI for govt technology, industry and healthcare. Biosciences and biotechnology, including AI-enabled diagnostics and agri-biotechnology, will also be key areas. Energy technologies could be added in subsequent phases depending on ecosystem readiness.The hubs will be developed in phases. The first phase envisages around 25,000 square feet of space at each location, with capacity for 20-30 startups and co-working facilities. An interim facility of around one lakh square feet of leased office space will be available in Noida.The second phase will see permanent campuses with around four lakh square feet of built-up area in Noida and two lakh square feet in Lucknow. The combined target is around six lakh sq ft, including offices, deep-tech laboratories and ecosystem and community spaces.To note, the state budget for 2026-27 had provided Rs 100 crore for establishing the two hubs, including Rs 70 crore for capital expenditure and Rs 30 crore for operational expenses.However, the detailed three-year plan estimates the overall requirement at Rs 3,87.5 crore. The additional resources are expected to be mobilised through central govt co-financing, CSR and industry partnerships.
