ARTPARK, IISc Bengaluru

ARTPARK (AI and Robotics Technology Park) is a not-for-profit foundation established in 2020 by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, with support from AI Foundry in a public-private model. Seeded with Rs 170 crore ($22 million) from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), ARTPARK promotes technology innovations in AI and robotics that lead to societal impact.

Role in the Startup Ecosystem

ARTPARK bridges the gap between academic research and real-world application in AI and robotics. Housed at IISc, one of India's premier research institutions, the park translates cutting-edge research into deployable technologies through mission-mode R&D projects, startup incubation, and industry-academia-government collaboration. It is India's first dedicated technology park focused exclusively on AI and robotics.

Programs and Initiatives

ARTPARK runs a startup incubation and accelerator program that facilitates the evolution of startups from innovation to market-ready products. The park operates a Venture Studio that mentors technopreneurs who take outputs of mission-mode research projects to launch new startups. ARTPARK focuses its translational R&D on healthcare, education, mobility, infrastructure, agriculture, retail, and cybersecurity, addressing problems unique to India. The Academy at ARTPARK offers skilling programs in AI and robotics, including the AI-MPOWER program for educators, ARCNet (a student-led robotics skilling program), and Top-Up Fellowships for innovative student projects. The park brings together consortium partners from industry, academia, and government to execute large-scale collaborative projects.

Who Benefits

AI and robotics startups at the ideation and validation stages benefit most, particularly those developing solutions in healthcare, autonomous systems, logistics automation, and agriculture. Researchers and student innovators from IISc and other institutions working on cyber-physical systems, robotics, and AI applications can access ARTPARK's infrastructure and mentorship. Companies looking to pilot AI and robotics solutions through ARTPARK's industry connections also find value.

Strategic Impact

ARTPARK represents a new model for translating India's research strength in AI and robotics into commercial and societal value. By combining IISc's research depth with mission-mode project execution and startup incubation, the park creates a pipeline from fundamental research to deployed technology. Its focus on India-specific problems in healthcare, mobility, and agriculture ensures that AI and robotics innovation addresses local needs rather than simply following global trends.