Karnataka Ranks First On NITI Aayogâs India Innovation Index Yet Again by Swarajya Staff - Jan 21, 2021 12:54 PM Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. Snapshot Karnataka has topped NITI Aayogâs India Innovation Index two years in a row. Karnataka has retained its position as the most innovative state in the country as per think tank NITI Aayogâs India Innovation Index. âThe state has achieved top ranking in the list released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday. The state is able to maintain the leading position despite new indicators were added as parameters this time, major being the expenditure by states on R&D and new business registration in the state,â said Deputy Chief Minister Dr C N Ashwatha Narayana, who also holds the Information Technology portfolio.