On June 17, the Karnataka government, Bengaluru Airport City Ltd (BACL), and tech consultancy ANSR unveiled District I, a premier global innovation district within Bengaluru Airport City.
This visionary initiative seeks to evolve Bengaluru into a global hub for next-generation technology by seamlessly integrating startups, global capability centres (GCCs), IT enterprises, academic institutions, venture capitalists, accelerators, and government bodies into a unified, collaborative network.
Spanning 28 million square feet, District I will center around emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum tech, blockchain, and customer experience (CX). It aims to accelerate innovation in sectors where Bengaluru already excels — such as aerospace, defence, telecom, financial services, retail, smart cities, and space technology.
Ekroop Caur, Secretary of the Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, emphasized that this effort cements Bengaluru’s standing as a pioneer in India’s technological progress.
According to BACL CEO Rao Munukutla, District I aspires to transition the local mindset from employment-seeking to entrepreneurship — backed by top-tier infrastructure and global support. ANSR CEO Lalit Ahuja remarked that the hub will reshape the innovation geography by providing a central, synergized space for all stakeholders in tech advancement.
The airport city already boasts futuristic amenities, such as a 3D printing facility and smart energy solutions. Envisioned as a green, digitally powered zone aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, it will serve as a launchpad for startups, a commercialization engine for research, and a collaboration zone for corporations.
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