Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the establishment of two state-of-the-art U-Hubs (Deep-Tech Hubs) in Lucknow and Noida as part of its strategy to position the state as a leading centre for advanced technology and innovation. The hubs will focus on promoting research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, and other cutting-edge technologies. The government believes the initiative will play a significant role in achieving Uttar Pradesh’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
According to the government, approximately ₹387.5 crore will be invested in the project over the next three years. For the 2026-27 financial year, a budget allocation of ₹100 crore has been approved, including ₹70 crore for capital expenditure and ₹30 crore for operational expenses. In the first phase, both Lucknow and Noida will each develop 25,000 square feet of innovation space. In the long term, permanent campuses spanning 400,000 square feet in Noida and 200,000 square feet in Lucknow will be established.
The two hubs will have distinct areas of specialization. The Noida U-Hub will focus on quantum technologies, advanced computing, semiconductor design, OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test), physical AI, robotics, defence technologies, and advanced biotechnology. The objective is to strengthen research and industrial collaboration in sectors expected to play a critical role in the future global economy and strategic industries.
The Lucknow U-Hub, meanwhile, will concentrate on application-driven artificial intelligence, GovTech, healthcare, industrial AI, agricultural biotechnology, and diagnostics. It will support startups and research initiatives aimed at developing practical technology solutions for governance, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial applications. The government expects these efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of technology-enabled public services.
A key objective of the U-Hubs is to transform technologies developed in universities and research institutions into commercially viable products and services. To achieve this, the hubs will bring together startups, research organisations, industry partners, investors, and policymakers on a common platform. The initiative is designed to create an integrated innovation ecosystem that accelerates the journey from research and product development to investment, commercialization, and market adoption.
The hubs will offer shared workspaces, advanced laboratories, prototype development facilities, testing infrastructure, mentorship programmes, access to industry experts, and dedicated spaces for investor engagement. These resources are expected to improve access to technical infrastructure and funding for early-stage startups while encouraging collaboration with established industries and academic institutions to translate research into successful commercial ventures.
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to establish the U-Hubs as Section 8 companies under the Companies Act, 2013, enabling them to operate as professionally managed, not-for-profit entities. Governance will be overseen by an 11-member Board of Directors, chaired by the Director of IIT Kanpur. A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will also be appointed to manage the operations and coordination of both centres.
Experts believe that if the project is implemented within the proposed timeline, it will significantly strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s deep-tech ecosystem by boosting innovation, attracting investments, generating high-skilled employment, and supporting technology-driven entrepreneurship. They also expect the initiative to position the state as a leading national hub for artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and other advanced technologies, while enhancing India’s competitiveness in high-value technology and manufacturing sectors.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
