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MP Eyes AI Hub Status with TouchLab Talks at WEF 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government held strategic talks with Herve Couraye of TouchLab on the sidelines of WEF 2026 to explore collaboration in AI and emerging technologies. The state showcased its strengths, including reliable power for data centers and the NATRAX automotive testing track as assets for tech applications. Discussions covered partnerships in education, SME innovation, and aligning TouchLab's cybersecurity and gaming tech with MP's AVGC policy. The engagement is part of MP's push to become a deeptech hub, following a separate meeting with Shiru's CEO on AI-driven protein innovation.

Key Points: Madhya Pradesh, TouchLab Explore AI Collaboration at WEF

  • MP explores AI partnership with global firm TouchLab
  • State highlights power, NATRAX track for tech infrastructure
  • Collaboration eyes education, SME innovation, cybersecurity
  • MP's AVGC policy aligns with gaming tech interests
  • Delegation also met AI protein firm Shiru for agri-research
2 min read

WEF 2026: Madhya Pradesh explores AI, emerging technology collaboration with TouchLab

Madhya Pradesh govt meets TouchLab at WEF 2026 to discuss AI, tech collaboration, focusing on cybersecurity, gaming, and its 6000+ startups.

"explore collaboration opportunities in artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies - MP Government Press Release"

Davos, January 19

The Madhya Pradesh government held a strategic interaction with Herve Couraye, Advisor to TouchLab, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026 to explore collaboration opportunities in artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies, a press release said.

According to the MP government, TouchLab, an AI-focused company with operations across the UK, Tokyo, and the United States, shared its global perspective on advanced AI applications and its participation in the upcoming global AI Summit. The company is currently at a proof-of-concept stage for an AI Centre, opening avenues for future expansion and partnerships.

MP highlighted the state's growing strengths as an AI and technology destination, including affordable and reliable power infrastructure critical for data centre and compute-intensive operations. The state also showcased the presence of NATRAX, the country's largest automotive testing and validation track, as a unique asset supporting advanced mobility, AI-driven testing, and next-generation technology applications.

Opportunities for collaboration were discussed across education and research partnerships, with a particular focus on engaging SMEs and strengthening applied innovation. Madhya Pradesh also presented its robust startup ecosystem, with over 6,000 registered startups, offering a strong platform for piloting, scaling, and co-developing new technologies, the press release said.

TouchLab expressed interest in exploring applications of its technology in areas such as cybersecurity and online gaming, aligning well with Madhya Pradesh's dedicated policies for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) and digital innovation.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions to identify concrete collaboration pathways, including AI-focused pilots, ecosystem partnerships, and potential establishment of technology-led initiatives in Madhya Pradesh.

The engagement underscores Madhya Pradesh's commitment to positioning itself as a competitive hub for AI, deeptech innovation, and future-ready digital industries, the release stated.

Earlier today, the MP government delegation also held a meeting with Jasmin Hume, CEO and Founder of Shiru, an AI-powered protein discovery company, to explore collaboration opportunities in advanced protein innovation, agri-based inputs and applied research.

WEF 2026 operates under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue' to address geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, and the annual meeting in Davos features record government participation, including about 400 political leaders and 65 heads of state.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see our states actively participating at global forums like WEF. Collaboration in AI and gaming (AVGC) is the future. MP's 6000+ startups is an impressive number. Hope the focus on SMEs means benefits will trickle down to smaller cities like Indore and Bhopal, not just stay in corporate parks.
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Michael C
Interesting read. As someone in the tech sector, I see a lot of potential in the NATRAX facility for AI-driven automotive testing. That's a unique asset most states don't have. The proof-of-concept stage for the AI Centre is key – execution will be everything. Wishing them the best.
R
Rohit P
All these announcements sound great, but I'll believe it when I see it. We hear about "discussions" and "exploring collaborations" all the time. What matters is ground reality – will they actually set up a centre, or is this just a PR exercise from Davos? The intent is good, but delivery is what counts.
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Shreya B
Focus on education and research partnerships is crucial. We need to build local talent, not just import it. If TouchLab sets up here, I hope they work with our engineering colleges and ITIs for skill development. That's how you build a sustainable tech ecosystem. 👍
K
Kavya N
Cybersecurity and gaming are booming sectors. Perfect alignment with MP's policies. This could put the state on the map for digital creatives and tech professionals. Hope they also think about digital infrastructure in rural areas – that's where the next wave of innovation can come from.

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