Karnataka Chief Minister Urges Industry to Partner in State’s Next Growth Phase

CM Shivakumar addresses CEOs, invites them to partner in Karnataka's next growth phase

Bengaluru, July 24

Addressing CEOs at a meeting, Shivakumar said Bengaluru's greatest strength lies in its talent pool and innovation ecosystem, crediting the city's success to the people and companies that have made it India's technology capital.

"You are the ambassadors of Bengaluru. You are the ambassadors of Karnataka," he told industry leaders, noting that while many had come to the city decades ago, they chose to stay because of the opportunities and talent the city offers.

Highlighting Karnataka's economic performance, the Chief Minister said software exports had crossed Rs 4.36 lakh crore and are expected to exceed Rs 5.5 lakh crore this year.

"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 said Karnataka's Global Capability Centres have evolved from back offices into hubs of innovation, product development and high-value work, adding that Bengaluru continues to lead India's office market absorption.

Recalling his interactions with global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Shivakumar said companies continue to prefer Bengaluru because of its talent, ecosystem and cost advantages. "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."

CM Shivakumar announced that within the next 100 days, the government will introduce a policy to encourage industries to establish operations beyond Bengaluru by offering world-class office infrastructure at highly affordable costs, including office space in other cities of Karnataka for as little as fifty cents per square foot.

CM Shivakumar said the government has already rolled out new IT, Space Technology and Startup policies focussed on DeepTech, digital infrastructure, research, industry-academia collaboration and entrepreneurship. Karnataka has also launched its Quantum Roadmap to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies.

CM Shivakumar announced that Karnataka is building an AI University in partnership with industry. "Yesterday, we had detailed discussions with Google on this 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, he said, will serve as a centre for learning, innovation, collaboration and public digital access, with the vision of introducing AI education to rural students from Class 6 onwards.

CM Shivakumar also announced the Bengaluru Robotics and Innovation Zone and the Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026-31, aimed at creating environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure supported by land, power, water, connectivity and renewable energy.

Emphasising balanced regional development, CM Shivakumar said growth should not remain confined to Bengaluru.

"Bengaluru is our crown, but Karnataka is our heart," CM Shivakumar said, adding that cities such as Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru and Belagavi should emerge as major technology and investment destinations.

The Chief Minister urged companies to adopt one government school each under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes to improve infrastructure, classrooms, teacher training and learning outcomes.

"We spend over Rs 1 lakh per child in government education. Yet we still have teacher vacancies. Government alone cannot do everything. We need your partnership," CM Shivakumar said, adding that strengthening education would be followed by a greater focus on healthcare.

Acknowledging Bengaluru's infrastructure and mobility challenges, he said the government is addressing them with seriousness and reiterated that industry and government must work together.

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

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said the government remains open to suggestions from industry and reaffirmed its commitment to long-term partnerships.

"We are not looking for short-term investments; we are looking for long-term partnerships. We want to grow with you. If you are strong, Karnataka is strong," CM Shivakumar said.

Minister for IT/BT and Home Priyank Kharge, KIONICS Chairman Sharath Bachegowda, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, entrepreneur Kris Gopalakrishnan, along with several other industry leaders, participated in the event.

— IANS