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Key Points

The Karnataka government has announced a major new initiative to spread innovation across the state. The Rs 1,000 crore LEAP programme is designed to catalyze growth in regions beyond Bengaluru. It specifically targets clusters like Mysuru and Hubbali to transform them into self-sustaining tech hubs. The ambitious plan aims to create five lakh jobs and build a more balanced economic future for Karnataka.

Key Points: Karnataka Launches Rs 1000 Crore LEAP Programme for Statewide Innovation

  • Aims to create five lakh new jobs across Karnataka over the next five years
  • Focuses on developing tech hubs in clusters like Mysuru, Hubbali, and Mangaluru
  • Provides end-to-end support from school-level Startup Foundry to ELEVATE NXT grants
  • Institutionalises the 'Beyond Bengaluru' vision for equitable economic development
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K'taka govt unveils Rs 1,000 crore LEAP programme to facilitate innovation across state

Karnataka's Rs 1,000 crore LEAP initiative aims to create 5 lakh jobs and build startup hubs beyond Bengaluru in cities like Mysuru and Hubbali.

"This Rs 1,000 crore programme is more than an investment in innovation; it's an investment in a balanced, equitable, and resilient economic future for the entire state. - Priyank Kharge"

Bengaluru, Sep 22

The government of Karnataka has unveiled a Rs 1,000-crore Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) to drive innovation across the state and catalyse growth beyond Bengaluru.

According to an official statement from the Department of Electronics, IT, and BT on Monday, the programme aims to foster innovation, create five lakh jobs, and build robust startup ecosystems across Karnataka beyond Bengaluru.

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

While Bengaluru is a globally celebrated technology hub, ranking number 10 worldwide in the StartupBlink 2025 index and number 14 globally in the Startup Genome 2025 report. LEAP as an initiative is about holistic, statewide development, the statement said.

LEAP is conceived as the primary engine to unlock the immense untapped potential in clusters like Mysuru-Chamarajanagar, Mangaluru-Udupi, Hubbali-Belagavi-Dharwad, Tumkur, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga, transforming them into self-sustaining and globally competitive innovation hubs.

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT and BT, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, stated: “LEAP is our commitment to ensuring that the fruits of innovation are shared across Karnataka. While Bengaluru is a global powerhouse, the state's true potential will be unlocked when we empower entrepreneurs in Mysuru, Hubbali, and Kalaburagi.

"This Rs 1,000 crore programme is more than an investment in innovation; it's an investment in a balanced, equitable, and resilient economic future for the entire state, aiming to create 5 lakh jobs and position Karnataka as a diversified global technology leader.”

Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, highlighted the programme's strategic design.

“The LEAP initiative is a meticulously designed framework that provides end-to-end support for our innovators. From fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in schools with the Startup Foundry to providing deep-tech startups with grant-in-aid through ELEVATE NXT, we are building a robust, interconnected ecosystem. LEAP institutionalises our 'Beyond Bengaluru' vision, creating the necessary infrastructure and support systems to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success for our emerging tech clusters.”

The Department of Electronics, IT, and BT notified the Call for Proposals for the establishment of Innovation Labs under LEAP on September 18, 2025. Further announcements confirming the launch of key initiatives like Hackathons, Bootcamps, and the Creation of Centres of Excellence are expected shortly.

LEAP is a transformative step towards building a future-ready Karnataka, ensuring that innovation and opportunity flourish in every corner of the state, the statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 1,000 crore is a massive investment! But I hope the implementation is transparent. We've seen many schemes fail due to poor execution. The government should ensure proper monitoring and regular progress reports.
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Sarah B
As an entrepreneur in Mysuru, this is exciting news! The infrastructure here is good but we need more ecosystem support. Hope the Innovation Labs materialize quickly. The 5 lakh jobs target is ambitious but achievable if done right.
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Arjun K
Excellent initiative! Bengaluru is overcrowded and expensive. Developing other cities will help reduce pressure and create balanced growth. Mangaluru-Udupi cluster has great potential with its educational institutions. 👍
K
Karthik V
While the vision is good, I'm concerned about the timeline. 5 years is too long for implementation. Startup ecosystem moves fast - the government should have phased releases with quarterly milestones.
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Nisha Z
This is what we need! Tier-2 cities have so much untapped talent. Hope they focus on women entrepreneurs too. The Startup Foundry in schools is a brilliant idea - need to catch them young! 👏
M
Michael C
Working in Kalaburagi's tech sector, I can confirm the potential is huge. But we need better internet connectivity and power infrastructure first. Hope LE

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