Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday, 25 July urged top industry executives to join hands with the state government in driving its next growth chapter, unveiling plans for an AI University built in partnership with the private sector, office infrastructure priced as low as 50 cents per square foot in cities beyond Bengaluru, and a Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026–31. The announcements were made at a closed-door CEO meeting in Bengaluru.

Software Exports and Economic Momentum

Shivakumar highlighted that Karnataka's software exports had already crossed ₹4.36 lakh crore and are on track to exceed ₹5.5 lakh crore this financial year. He attributed the state's tech dominance to its talent pool, crediting the companies and professionals who have made Bengaluru India's technology capital.

'Behind every number is a young engineer getting a first job, a developer solving problems, and a family moving closer to its dreams,' he said. He also noted that Bengaluru continues to lead India's office market absorption, with Global Capability Centres (GCCs) having evolved from back-office units into hubs of product development and high-value innovation.

Citing conversations with global executives at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Shivakumar said companies consistently favour Bengaluru for its cost-competitiveness. 'Many states are competing, but companies tell us that if it costs them $3.50 elsewhere, they can achieve the same here at nearly $1 because of Bengaluru's talent, ecosystem and human capital,' he said.

AI University and New Technology Policies

The Chief Minister announced that Karnataka is establishing an AI University in collaboration with industry, with discussions already held with Google on the initiative. 'We don't want government alone to build it. We want to partner with industry. You should take the lead, and the government will stand beside you,' he said.

The university is envisioned as a centre for learning, innovation, and public digital access, with a stated goal of introducing AI education to rural students from Class 6 onwards. Shivakumar added that the government has already rolled out updated IT, Space Technology, and Startup policies focused on DeepTech, digital infrastructure, research, industry-academia collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Karnataka has also launched a Quantum Roadmap to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies.

Decentralising Growth Beyond Bengaluru

Within the next 100 days, the government plans to introduce a policy encouraging industries to set up operations in cities beyond Bengaluru, offering world-class office space at highly affordable rates — reportedly as low as 50 cents per square foot in other Karnataka cities. Shivakumar named Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, and Belagavi as priority destinations for technology and investment.

'Bengaluru is our crown, but Karnataka is our heart,' he said, underlining the government's push for balanced regional development. He also announced the Bengaluru Robotics and Innovation Zone as part of the state's broader innovation infrastructure agenda.

CSR Push and Infrastructure Challenges

Shivakumar urged companies to adopt at least one government school each under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, covering infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and learning outcomes. 'We spend over ₹1 lakh per child in government education. Yet we still have teacher vacancies. Government alone cannot do everything. We need your partnership,' he said.

The Chief Minister acknowledged Bengaluru's ongoing infrastructure and mobility challenges but said the government is addressing them seriously and called for continued industry cooperation.

Bengaluru Tech Summit and Long-Term Vision

Shivakumar invited CEOs to participate in the Bengaluru Tech Summit, scheduled from 17 to 19 November at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, describing it as 'not just a conference, but a platform for policy, partnerships and outcomes.'

Closing his address, the Chief Minister said the government is seeking long-term partnerships, not short-term investments. 'We want to grow with you. If you are strong, Karnataka is strong,' he said. The meeting was attended by IT/BT and Home Minister Priyank Kharge, KIONICS Chairman Sharath Bachegowda, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and entrepreneur Kris Gopalakrishnan, among other industry leaders. With the AI University, data centre policy, and regional expansion plans all in motion, Karnataka's next growth phase is shaping up as a test of how effectively the state can translate ambition into execution.