Karnataka to set up three global innovation districts: CM: Rediff Moneynews

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced plans to set up three dedicated global innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Belagavi, with the aim of attracting GCCs and boosting the state’s technology sector.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Bengaluru, Nov 19 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday announced that the state government would set up three special global innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Belagavi.
“These will be special parks where GCCs (Global Capability Centres) can set up shop here in the state,” he said after inaugurating the 27th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) here.
He noted that the state had recently launched India’s first dedicated Global Capability Centers (GCC) policy, aimed at strengthening and supporting these centres.
The three-day technology conclave is organized by the state government’s Department of Electronics, IT and BT, with Australia being the official country partner for the event.
The Chief Minister said that the Bengaluru Global Innovation District will be part of the Knowledge, Well-being, and Innovation City (KWIN City), which will serve as a global hub for innovation and research.
“Our state is a destination of choice for GCCs, thanks to its unparalleled tech talent and the highest number of AI professionals globally. This will be further strengthened through our initiatives under ‘NIPUNA Karnataka’, a program designed to
workforce ready for the industry,” he said.
Speaking about the five MoUs signed at the technology summit with Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, IBM and BFSI Consortium, he said, “They are going to train one lakh individuals in the state of Karnataka.”
“Through a cluster-based approach, we are driving balanced regional growth, from Mangaluru’s fintech leadership and Hubballi-Dharwad’s progress in EVs (electric vehicles) and drones – to Mysuru as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) cluster,” Siddaramaiah said .
“We are aligning policies and infrastructure to leverage regional strengths and attract investments in emerging clusters, along with our focus on Bengaluru,” he said.
Highlighting that the government has made significant investments in physical and digital infrastructure to support technology-driven sectors, the Prime Minister said: “Initiatives such as the ‘Namma Grama Namma Raste’ rural connectivity program and the Special Development Program increase accessibility and economic opportunities. about Karnataka.”
“We believe in extending the benefits of growth beyond the technology sector through programs like ‘Beyond Bengaluru’, which bring technology to rural areas, increase agricultural productivity, improve e-education for students and positively impact the delivery of all civilian services,” he says. said.
Siddaramaiah noted that Karnataka’s startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth, increasing 18.2 percent from 2022 to 2023, with a total of 3,036 startups, making the state a leader with 8.7 percent of the total number of startups in India.
“This success reflects our strong support and vibrant opportunities for entrepreneurs. Our partnership with the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) has connected over 200 startups with 100 funding firms, providing capital, mentorship and growth opportunities,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) would be set up at Kochanahalli, near Mysuru, which will strengthen Karnataka’s role in the global semiconductor industry, create jobs and boost economic growth in both urban and rural regions .
According to officials, BTS 2024 will welcome delegations from more than 15 countries, including the US, Australia, the UK and France. These high-level delegations, comprising government officials, industry leaders and innovators, will enrich the summit with diverse perspectives and collaboration opportunities, they said.
The summit will include a multi-phase conference across six tracks: IT, Deep tech and Trends, Biotech and Health Tech, Startup Ecosystem, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave and the newly introduced Electro-Semicon track, officials added.