“An MoU by Invest UP is a preliminary step before detailed due diligence and project evaluation gets done,” stated Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, regarding the recent agreement with Puch AI.

On March 24, 2026, Uttar Pradesh signed a ₹25,000 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Puch AI, a Bengaluru-based startup founded in 2025 by Siddharth Bhatia and Arjit Jain. The agreement aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem in the state.

According to Bhatia, “UP Government and Puch AI have signed a ₹25,000 crore MoU to make Uttar Pradesh India’s first AI Pradesh.” This ambitious initiative is expected to enhance the state’s technological landscape.

However, the MoU is non-binding, as emphasized by Adityanath, who noted that any further progress would be contingent on a detailed evaluation of the investor’s proposal. “MoUs are non-binding on the State Government. Any further progress… is subject to detailed evaluation of the prospective investor’s proposal,” he added.

Puch AI operates primarily through WhatsApp and voice calls, providing free services such as chat assistance and fact-checking. Currently, over a million Indians use Puch AI each month, with more than 60% of them experiencing AI for the first time.

The startup reported an annual revenue of ₹42.9 lakh as of March 31, 2025. Despite its rapid growth, the deal has faced criticism due to Puch AI’s small team and its lack of a proven infrastructure track record.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific projects that will be pursued under the MoU. Additionally, the long-term viability of Puch AI in executing large-scale commitments remains uncertain.

The Uttar Pradesh government has made it clear that any future developments will be subject to a thorough assessment of the startup’s capabilities and proposals.

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“The agreement covers joint research initiatives, co-authored publications, academic exchanges and internship opportunities,” said a representative from IIT Mandi during the signing ceremony held in Ahmedabad on March 18, 2026.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing academic and research capabilities between IIT Mandi and Adani University. The newly signed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to foster a robust partnership that includes joint research projects, co-authored academic papers, and opportunities for student and faculty exchange.

In addition to these initiatives, the agreement will facilitate internships and collaborative research funding, alongside the organization of seminars and conferences. Both institutions are committed to developing short-term academic programs such as executive education courses, summer schools, and digital learning modules.

The partnership is designed to strengthen research capabilities and promote innovation-led learning, aligning with Adani University’s objective of integrating industry-linked learning with academic research.

As part of a broader trend in higher education, this collaboration reflects an increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary research and shared learning models. The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration over the next five years, paving the way for enhanced educational experiences.

“It is expected to provide students and faculty access to broader resources, shared expertise and cross-institutional learning opportunities,” the representative added, highlighting the potential benefits of this partnership.

The collaboration between IIT Mandi and Adani University is indicative of a growing movement within academia to address complex challenges through cooperative efforts.

As both institutions prepare to implement the terms of the MoU, further details regarding specific projects and initiatives are anticipated in the coming months.

This partnership not only aims to elevate the educational landscape but also seeks to contribute to the advancement of research and innovation in the region.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the launch of specific programs under this agreement.

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