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Key Points

Karnataka's IT Minister Priyank Kharge has launched the ambitious LEAP program to spread tech growth across the state. The ₹1,000 crore initiative aims to create a more balanced economy by empowering entrepreneurs in cities beyond Bengaluru. It provides comprehensive support for startups at every stage, from school-level ideas to global market access. The ultimate goal is to transform emerging clusters into self-sustaining, globally competitive innovation hubs.

Key Points: Karnataka LEAP Program to Diversify Tech Beyond Bengaluru Says Kharge

  • Aims to create 5 lakh jobs and position Karnataka as a diversified global tech leader
  • Program designed to support startups from schools to global market access
  • Focuses on empowering emerging tech hubs like Mysuru, Hubbali, and Kalaburagi
  • Institutionalizes the 'Beyond Bengaluru' vision with end-to-end startup support
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LEAP to position Karnataka as a diversified global technology leader: Priyank Kharge

Karnataka's ₹1,000 crore LEAP initiative aims to create 5 lakh jobs and empower tech hubs like Mysuru and Hubbali, fostering equitable growth across the state.

"LEAP is our commitment to ensuring that the fruits of innovation are shared across Karnataka. - Priyank Kharge"

Bengaluru, September 22

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge has said that the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP) will ensure that the fruits of innovation are shared across Karnataka.

"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," the minister said.

"This ₹1,000 crore program 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," he added.

Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, highlighted the program'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 program is designed to support the entire startup lifecycle, from sparking entrepreneurial curiosity in schools to helping mature startups access global markets. By addressing critical gaps in infrastructure, funding, mentorship, and ecosystem development, LEAP aims to create a vibrant and inclusive innovation narrative for all of Karnataka.

According to the State government, with an ambitious outlay of ₹1,000 crores over five years, LEAP represents a strategic and holistic commitment to fostering innovation, democratizing opportunity, and driving equitable economic growth across the entire state.

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

The Government of Karnataka's vision for the next phase of transformation is rooted in extending this success to its emerging tech clusters. 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Hubbali, I'm thrilled to see our city mentioned. We have so much talent here but lack opportunities. Hope this program actually reaches tier-2 cities and doesn't just remain on paper. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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Rohit P
₹1,000 crore is a massive investment. While the intention is good, I hope there's proper monitoring to prevent corruption and ensure funds reach the actual entrepreneurs. Transparency is key for such large-scale programs.
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Ananya R
Love the 'Beyond Bengaluru' vision! Mysuru has such great potential with its educational institutions and peaceful environment. If they can create proper infrastructure, many IT professionals would prefer working from there instead of crowded Bengaluru.
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Michael C
Interesting initiative. I've worked in Bengaluru's tech sector for 5 years. The decentralization makes sense - it could reduce pressure on Bengaluru's infrastructure while tapping into talent pools across Karnataka. Hope they focus on reliable internet connectivity in these emerging hubs.
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Kavya N
Starting entrepreneurial education in schools is brilliant! We need to change the mindset from job seekers to job creators. This long-term approach could really transform Karnataka's economic landscape in the coming decades.
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Vikram M
5 lakh jobs sounds ambitious but achievable if implemented properly. The key will

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