ST Telemedia Global Data Centres India (STT GDC India) has entered into a transformative agreement with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to establish India’s first “AI City” in Lucknow. This partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is set to revolutionize the region’s digital and AI infrastructure by leveraging cutting-edge data centers and computing capabilities.
Key Highlights of the MoU
A Vision for AI and Digital Transformation
Under the agreement, STT GDC India will:
- Provide state-of-the-art data centers.
- Enable AI computing infrastructure through collaborations with partner companies.
- Contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s ambitions of becoming a leader in AI and digital transformation.
The initiative aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader goal to position itself as a technology hub while fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.
Strategic Location in Lucknow
The AI City will be developed in Lucknow, as reported by the Times of India. This location is expected to attract significant investments, create jobs, and serve as a nexus for startups, research institutions, and governmental AI projects.
STT GDC’s Commitment to Uttar Pradesh
Investments in Noida
STT GDC India has already demonstrated its commitment to Uttar Pradesh through substantial investments:
- A Rs 4,100 crore ($482 million) data center park in Noida is operational.
- The Noida facility currently offers 17.3MW of IT capacity, scalable up to 35MW.
- A second data center in Noida is under development to further strengthen the region’s digital infrastructure.
Future Expansion Plans
In September 2024, STT GDC India announced a massive Rs 26,000 crore ($3.2 billion) investment to expand its operations across the country. This includes additional data center projects in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the state’s importance in the company’s strategic roadmap.
Benefits of the AI City Project
Enabling Multi-Sector Collaboration
The AI City’s infrastructure will be accessible to:
- Startups: Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Research Institutions: Enabling advanced AI research.
- Governance: Enhancing e-governance and public services.
Driving Economic Growth
The project is expected to:
- Generate employment opportunities.
- Attract global and domestic investments.
- Position Uttar Pradesh as a leader in digital and AI-driven development.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Lalit Khanna, Chief Operating Officer of STT GDC India, expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh government, stating:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for their vision and support in bringing this project to life. STT GDC India is committed to contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s digitally enabled growth via the enabling digital infrastructure.”
A History of Collaboration: Previous Agreements
This MoU builds on a strong history of collaboration between STT GDC India and Uttar Pradesh:
- In early 2023, a $1 billion MoU was signed for data center development.
- These efforts have laid the groundwork for the AI City initiative, showcasing the potential of public-private partnerships in driving technological progress.
The Role of STT GDC India in the AI Ecosystem
Company Profile
STT GDC India, a subsidiary of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, manages over 318 MW of critical IT load across 28 facilities in 10 cities in India. Tata Communications holds a minority stake in the company, which underscores its robust operational capabilities and strategic alliances.
Technological Advancements
STT GDC India’s expertise in data center operations and AI infrastructure will be pivotal in:
- Supporting AI applications across sectors.
- Ensuring reliability and scalability of digital infrastructure.
- Driving innovation in cloud and edge computing.
FAQ: Common Questions About the AI City Project
1. What is the “AI City” project in Uttar Pradesh?
The AI City project aims to establish a state-of-the-art hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation in Lucknow, supported by STT GDC India’s data centers and computing infrastructure.
2. What role will STT GDC India play in the project?
STT GDC India will provide advanced data center facilities and enable AI computing infrastructure to support the development and operations of the AI City.
3. How will the project benefit Uttar Pradesh?
The project will drive economic growth, create jobs, support startups, and enhance research and governance capabilities in the state.
4. What is the investment commitment from STT GDC India?
STT GDC India has committed Rs 4,100 crore ($482 million) for its existing data center park in Noida and announced an additional Rs 26,000 crore ($3.2 billion) investment for future expansion in India.
5. Who will benefit from the AI City’s infrastructure?
Startups, research institutions, governance bodies, and various industries will benefit from the AI City’s cutting-edge infrastructure.
