Baramati: Sharad Pawar Announces Baramati Innovation Valley on Lines of Silicon Valley, Plans AI Research and Startup Hub

Baramati, 16th October 2026: Vidya Pratishthan Chairman Sharad Pawar has announced plans to develop the ‘Baramati Innovation Valley’ on the lines of Silicon Valley, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), research, entrepreneurship and technological innovation. The initiative aims to bring advanced technology and world-class knowledge to students, farmers, entrepreneurs and citizens, particularly in rural areas.

The announcement was made during the 54th Foundation Day celebration of Vidya Pratishthan at the Gadima Auditorium in Baramati on Friday. Pawar outlined a vision to establish Baramati as a major centre for AI research, technological development and startup incubation.

As Pawar was suffering from a throat ailment, Vidya Pratishthan Secretary Advocate Neelima Gujar read out his speech at the event. Vice-President Advocate A. V. Prabhune, trustee Vitthal Maniyar, Jay Pawar, Revati Sule, Kiran Gujar, Dr Rajiv Shah and Registrar Shirish Kambhoj were present.

AI Centre to Anchor Innovation Valley

The proposed Innovation Valley will be centred around the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in AI at Vidya Pratishthan. The centre is envisioned as a research and development facility where students, researchers and industry experts can develop and test innovative solutions to real-world problems.

The facility currently has 12 advanced laboratories covering artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, computer vision, language technology, agricultural technology, drones, cybersecurity, climate change and other emerging fields. It also has more than 1,500 advanced computers and a dedicated data centre.

Through technology buses, practical AI training is being provided to students in rural schools and colleges, with more than 6,800 students having benefited from the initiative so far.

The proposed Innovation Valley will connect Baramati with educational institutions, ITIs, schools and research centres across Maharashtra. Students and researchers from these institutions will be able to access the advanced facilities in Baramati, enabling smaller colleges to benefit from modern infrastructure without having to establish their own expensive laboratories.

AI Applications for Agriculture and Industry

Pawar emphasised that farmers should be among the primary beneficiaries of AI technology. According to the details outlined in his address, the initiative has already reached 10,000 farmers in its first phase.

AI-based applications could help farmers analyse soil conditions, select suitable crops, determine fertiliser requirements, monitor crops through drones and satellites, detect potential pest attacks and plan irrigation based on weather forecasts. These technologies could also help reduce water consumption and agricultural costs.

The initiative will explore applications in sugarcane cultivation, sugar recovery, dairy farming and agricultural marketing.

In the industrial sector, AI will be used to help transform factories in the Baramati MIDC area into smart manufacturing units. Predictive maintenance, automated quality checks and energy-efficient production systems are among the applications expected to improve productivity and create skilled employment opportunities for local youth.

AI in Healthcare and Public Services

The proposed project will also explore AI applications in healthcare, including assistance with interpreting X-rays, blood tests and eye examinations. Telemedicine could help connect rural healthcare facilities with specialists in urban centres.

Other areas of focus include water management, weather forecasting, renewable energy, transportation, cybersecurity and municipal administration. Collaboration with institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also envisaged for satellite-based monitoring of agriculture, forests, water resources and natural disasters.

Pawar said technologies successfully tested in Baramati would eventually be adapted and implemented across Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

Global AI Week and Startup Incubation Planned

The project envisages an annual ‘Global AI Week’ in Baramati, bringing together researchers, academics and entrepreneurs to showcase innovations, prototypes and research.

An AI startup incubation centre is also planned to support entrepreneurs from the idea stage through business development. The proposed ecosystem will connect startups with laboratories, mentors, customers and investors.

Efforts will be made to establish collaborations with national and international institutions and organisations, including MIT, Stanford University, Oxford University, IITs, Microsoft, OpenAI, ISRO and NASA.

An Applied AI Lab is also proposed to help industries address practical challenges by bringing together companies, researchers, professors and students to develop solutions that can be implemented in factories and agricultural fields.

The initiative will also focus on rural youth, women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the aim of expanding access to technological education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Funding is expected to be explored through government schemes, research grants, corporate social responsibility contributions and public-private partnerships.

Jay Pawar and Revati Sule Appointed Trustees

During the programme, Vidya Pratishthan Secretary Advocate Neelima Gujar announced the appointment of Jay Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar, and Revati Sule, daughter of Supriya Sule, to the institution’s board of trustees.

The proposed Baramati Innovation Valley aims to establish the town as a centre where AI research, technological innovation and entrepreneurship can develop together, with solutions designed to benefit agriculture, industry and society.