Bengaluru: Karnataka will roll out a new policy within the next 100 days to encourage technology companies to expand beyond Bengaluru, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Friday. The initiative aims to promote balanced regional growth by offering affordable office infrastructure and incentives in emerging technology hubs across the state.
Speaking at a CEO breakfast meeting in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister said the policy would provide world-class office spaces in cities such as Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru and Belagavi, with rental rates starting from as low as 50 paise per square foot.
State eyes balanced technology growth
Shivakumar said the government wants to reduce the concentration of technology investments in Bengaluru by creating opportunities across Karnataka.
“Bengaluru is our crown, but Karnataka is our heart,” he said, stressing that economic development should benefit every region of the state.
AI university and DeepTech push
The Chief Minister also announced plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence University in partnership with the private sector following discussions with Alphabet’s Google.
The proposed university will focus on research, innovation and skill development, while introducing artificial intelligence education to rural students from Class 6 onwards.
The government also launched Innoverse, a unified DeepTech platform that will connect startups, researchers, investors, academia and policymakers to accelerate innovation. Initially, the platform will focus on aerospace and defence, electronics, space technology, biotechnology and applied AI.
Additionally, the government unveiled plans for the Museum of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) and recognised 33 startups selected under the ELEVATE NxT 2026 grant programme.
New policies to strengthen Karnataka’s tech leadership
Shivakumar said Karnataka has already introduced new IT, startup and space technology policies, along with a quantum technology roadmap.
He also announced the Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026–31 and the Bengaluru Robotics and Innovation Zone to promote environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure and advanced technology development.
Highlighting Karnataka’s strong position in the technology sector, the Chief Minister said software exports have crossed ₹4.36 lakh crore and are expected to exceed ₹5.5 lakh crore this year. He added that the government is working to address Bengaluru’s infrastructure challenges while ensuring the state remains India’s leading destination for technology investment.