Bengaluru, Sep 22 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has introduced the Rs 1,000-crore Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) aimed at enhancing innovation throughout the state and fostering development beyond Bengaluru.

An official statement from the Department of Electronics, IT, and BT released on Monday indicated that the initiative seeks to promote innovation, generate five lakh jobs, and establish robust startup ecosystems across Karnataka outside the Bengaluru area.

The Department of Electronics, IT, and BT elaborated on the ambitious Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP), which has an outlay of Rs 1,000 crore over a span of five years.

While Bengaluru is recognized globally as a technology hub, ranking 10th in the StartupBlink 2025 index and 14th in the Startup Genome 2025 report, LEAP represents a commitment to comprehensive, statewide progress, according to the statement.

LEAP is designed to serve as the primary catalyst to tap into the vast untapped potential in regions such as Mysuru-Chamarajanagar, Mangaluru-Udupi, Hubbali-Belagavi-Dharwad, Tumkur, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga, transforming these areas into self-sufficient and globally competitive innovation hubs.

According to Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT, and BT, as well as Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, “LEAP signifies our pledge to ensure that the benefits of innovation reach all corners of Karnataka. While Bengaluru stands as a global leader, the true potential of the state will be realized when we empower entrepreneurs in Mysuru, Hubbali, and Kalaburagi.

“This Rs 1,000 crore initiative is more than just an investment in innovation; it’s a pledge towards a balanced, equitable, and resilient economic future for the entire state, targeting the creation of 5 lakh jobs and positioning Karnataka as a diversified leader in global technology.”

Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government in the Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, emphasized the strategic framework of the programme.

“The LEAP initiative is a carefully structured framework that provides comprehensive support for our innovators. From nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit in schools through the Startup Foundry to offering deep-tech startups financial assistance via ELEVATE NXT, we are developing a solid, interconnected ecosystem. LEAP institutionalizes our ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ vision, creating essential infrastructure and support systems to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success for our emerging tech clusters.”

The Department of Electronics, IT, and BT announced the Call for Proposals for establishing Innovation Labs under LEAP on September 18, 2025. Further announcements about the launch of significant initiatives such as Hackathons, Bootcamps, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence are anticipated soon.

LEAP marks a transformative step towards crafting a future-ready Karnataka, ensuring that innovation and opportunities thrive in every region of the state, the statement concluded.