Maharashtra's Innovation City: A Hub for Global Technology and Research
Maharashtra is on the verge of a transformative project with the announcement of its first Innovation City, a major initiative aimed at making the state a global hub for innovation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement through a video shared on the official CMO social media handle. The project was first introduced to over 400 international investors at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Construction is expected to begin within six to eight months.
The Innovation City will focus on advanced technologies such as high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, AI-driven automation, human-computer interaction, algorithms, network security, and cryptography. It will also work on next-generation renewable energy solutions to address climate change. The city aims to bring together research, startups, industries, and educational institutions to create solutions that can benefit the world, with a special focus on AI, semiconductors, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
After the announcement in Davos, Devendra Fadnavis told ANI that the city will be India’s first innovation hub and that the location has been finalized. While the exact site was not revealed, the city is expected to be near the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This strategic location is expected to enhance connectivity and attract more investments.
Devendra Fadnavis revealed that Tata Sons has agreed to invest $11 billion (Rs 1 lakh crore) in building the Innovation City, along with a major data centre and other infrastructure. He said, “I discussed this idea with the chairman of TATA Sons and sought his support. I am delighted that, nearly a year later, we have officially announced this innovation city in Davos before 400-450 international investors.”
The Innovation City will cover over 100 acres of land in Navi Mumbai near the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Atal Setu Bridge. The project is designed to provide ready-to-use infrastructure and facilities specifically for startups, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and GCCs. Key components of the city will include AI application layers, model development, semiconductors, data centres, and energy infrastructure. Advanced data centres with modern cooling systems, such as Direct to Chip Liquid Cooling, are planned, along with a 100 MW green, AI-ready campus nearby. A dedicated GCC Park will be developed to host Global Capability Centres, which will attract international companies.
Although no official plans have confirmed residential areas within the city, the project will primarily focus on building spaces for businesses, research, and technology development. The Innovation City is expected to have a strong impact on the surrounding areas and real estate. Tech hubs, data centres, and GCCs will boost local employment, while property prices in Navi Mumbai have already risen due to the newly launched airport and ongoing infrastructure development. Improved connectivity through the Navi Mumbai International Airport and metro lines will attract more investments, hotels, and premium residential projects.
The development of Innovation City is expected to benefit local businesses in nearby areas like Dronagiri, Ulwe, and Panvel. The hospitality and food sector will see increased customers, while retail stores and grocery shops selling essentials, electronics, and work-related items are expected to experience higher demand. Auto rickshaws, cabs, and small delivery providers will also benefit from the workers and visitors. During construction phases, suppliers of building materials and labour contractors will see more business, and once it becomes operational, co-working spaces and incubators will create demand for office-related services like maintenance, printing, and other support facilities.
