Is Karnataka's Emergence as a Tech Hub By Chance?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka's rise as a tech hub is driven by strategic government initiatives.
- Robust infrastructure supports innovation and startups.
- 42% of India's IT exports come from Karnataka.
- The state aims to launch 25,000 startups in five years.
- Collaboration is essential for future advancements in technology.
Bengaluru, Nov 18 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Tuesday that the state's transformation into a technological hub is far from coincidental. He emphasized that effective government policies, streamlined approvals, a talented workforce, solid infrastructure, and a nurturing ecosystem have positioned Karnataka as India's most reliable investment haven.
While inaugurating the 28th Bengaluru Tech Summit, he noted the historic establishment of three significant policies - the Karnataka IT Policy 2025–2030, the Space Technology Policy 2025–2030, and the Startup Policy 2025–2030.
According to him, the data-centric and innovation-driven Karnataka IT Policy aspires to turn the state into a global innovation and deep-tech hub. The Space Technology Policy aims to mold Karnataka into India’s premier space technology center by 2034, while the new Startup Policy intends to facilitate the launch of 25,000 startups in the next five years through financial backing, market access, infrastructure, and skill enhancement.
Once regarded as India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru has evolved into a global innovation, talent, research, and technology leadership center, the Chief Minister remarked.
He pointed out that Karnataka boasts 85 universities, 243 engineering colleges, and almost 1,800 ITIs.
The unemployment rate stands at a mere 4.3 percent, indicating high productivity and significant job creation, he added.
Prominent institutions such as IISc, IIM-B, IIIT-B, NCBS, JNCASR, NIMHANS, DRDO labs, ISRO centers, and several elite private universities contribute to an unrivaled intellectual ecosystem in Bengaluru.
The Chief Minister expressed pride in the Bengaluru Tech Summit, which has been held in the city for three decades, attracting global attention to Karnataka and promoting international collaboration, innovation, and technological advancements.
He described the Summit as more than just a conference; it serves as a platform for new ideas, discussions, investment prospects, innovation, and transformative changes.
“I hope this three-day summit acts as a global stage for meaningful opportunities and heralds a new era,” he stated.
The summit, themed 'Futurise: Shaping the Unknown, Measuring the Unimaginable, and Moving the World Forward,' mirrors the collective aspirations for the future, he added.
Karnataka accounts for 42 percent of India's IT exports, valued at over Rs 3.2 lakh crore, with an annual growth rate of approximately 27 percent. The state is home to more than 550 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) - representing one-third of the national total.
He extended an invitation to investors to explore opportunities in Karnataka for Research and Development, startups, academic research, and all investment sectors.
Encouraging investment in areas such as AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and space technology, he urged collaboration for human advancement.