Karnataka’s push to expand economic growth beyond Bengaluru is gaining traction, with entrepreneurs, businesses and government initiatives increasingly creating opportunities in tier-II and tier-III cities across the state.
A notable example is Goutam Bengle, co-founder of Alt Digital Technologies, who returned to his native village in Uttara Kannada district during the Covid-19 pandemic and began working remotely. He later established a company office in neighbouring Vaddinakoppa, creating jobs for local residents while serving international clients.
Creating opportunities closer to home
Today, Alt Digital Technologies employs around 40 people and generates annual revenues of nearly $3 million. The initiative allows skilled professionals to remain in their hometowns rather than relocate to metropolitan centres.
To further strengthen local employment, Bengle also launched The Mestri, a digital platform connecting skilled workers with job opportunities.
The success reflects Karnataka’s broader ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ vision, launched in 2020 to promote industrial and technology growth across the state.
Infrastructure remains the biggest challenge
The government has identified cities such as Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Shivamogga and Kalaburagi as key growth centres.
However, industry leaders say infrastructure remains a major hurdle. Improved roads, rail connectivity, airports, office spaces, educational institutions and healthcare facilities are considered essential for attracting investment and talent.
According to government data, around ₹60,257 crore worth of projects have materialised so far under the initiative, representing approximately 13 per cent of proposed investments.
Untapped talent across Karnataka
Studies by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and staffing firm Xpheno highlight significant talent availability outside Bengaluru. Their research identified a potential workforce of more than 3.1 lakh people across coastal Karnataka alone.
Many professionals, however, continue to migrate due to limited local opportunities.
With Karnataka aiming for at least 10 per cent of its IT exports to originate from Beyond Bengaluru clusters by 2030, experts believe cities such as Mysuru, Belagavi, Hubballi and Mangaluru could emerge as major technology and industrial hubs in the years ahead.