Lucknow, May 16 -- Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as the country's largest hub for technology and AI innovation, experts said at the 'AI Transformation Conclave 2026' held in the state capital on Friday. Over 50 IAS officers and senior public administrators from across the nation participated in the conclave. During the conclave, a high-level capacity-building workshop was organised on the theme, 'The AI-Powered Public Administrator: Competencies for a New Era of Governance.' Subi Chaturvedi, founder of NIHIT and Sherpa for Working Group-7 of the India-US CEO Forum, moderated the session. Chaturvedi remarked that Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow in particular, is emerging as the most ideal hub for AI innovation in India. "While the city was historically recognised for its tehzeeb (culture and etiquette), under the leadership of the current government, it is now forging a new identity defined by tarteeb (order and organisation) and takhleeq (creativity and innovation)," Chaturvedi noted. Chaturvedi added that with the launch of deep-tech operations by companies such as InMobi, a new ecosystem of governance, talent, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship is taking shape within the state. Detailed discussions were also held regarding UP government's ambitious AI policy and its broader technology vision. Manoj Kumar Singh, chief executive officer of the State Transformation Commission, stated that UP is advancing towards becoming a national model for AI transformation within government operations, a move that will lend fresh momentum to the state's goal of achieving a trillion-dollar economy. Alok Kumar, principal secretary, IT and electronics, affirmed that the government is working with full commitment to establish robust infrastructure for emerging technologies such as AI, Quantum computing, and DeepTech. He noted that the recent budget includes special provisions for the UP AI Mission, AI Cities, and other new tech. The workshop featured detailed discussions on the AI ecosystem, cybersecurity, digital governance, MSMEs, startups, and the role of AI in services....