BENGALURU, 19 NOV

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of three dedicated global innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi, aimed at attracting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to the State. This declaration was made during the inauguration of the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), with Australia serving as the official partner country for the event.

The new innovation districts will be part of the Knowledge, Well-being, and Innovation City (KWIN City) in Bengaluru, envisioned as a global hub for innovation and research. Siddaramaiah emphasised that Karnataka is a preferred destination for GCCs, citing the state’s exceptional engineering talent and its status as home to the highest number of AI professionals globally. He revealed the recent launch of India’s first dedicated GCC policy, which aims to empower these centres.

During the summit, five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with major firms, including Microsoft, Intel, and Accenture, which will lead to the skilling of 100,000 individuals in Karnataka. The Chief Minister highlighted a cluster-based approach to foster balanced regional growth, pointing to Mangaluru's fintech leadership and Hubballi-Dharwad's advancements in electric vehicles and drones.

Furthermore, Siddaramaiah announced plans for an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in Kochanahalli, near Mysuru, enhancing Karnataka’s role in the global semiconductor market. With the startup ecosystem in Karnataka witnessing an 18.2 per cent growth in the past year, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the Beyond Bengaluru programme, which aims to bring technology to rural areas and improve agricultural productivity.

The BTS 2024 is set to host delegations from over 15 countries, enriching discussions and collaborative opportunities across various tech sectors. -PTI