Mangaluru and Udupi, situated along Karnataka’s coast, are on the verge of transitioning into prominent IT centers in India, leveraging their advantageous geographical positions, well-developed infrastructure, and ample pool of skilled professionals. Despite being dubbed as the ‘Silicon Beach of India,’ these cities have not yet witnessed substantial IT investments comparable to Bengaluru. Various stakeholders have pinpointed several obstacles hampering their advancement, including the absence of a robust innovation ecosystem, branding difficulties, and insufficient policy backing.
Rising IT Presence
Notable IT enterprises such as Infosys, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and Invenger Technologies have already established their foothold in the area. Recently, Tech Mahindra also expanded its presence by inaugurating a branch office in Mangaluru. Moreover, other major players are in the pipeline to set up their operations, signaling a promising trajectory for the region’s IT industry.
Infrastructure Investments
Real estate developers in the vicinity are channeling efforts into constructing IT-friendly infrastructure to meet global standards and allure more IT enterprises. Plans are in motion to introduce 4-5 IT parks within the next year, further enhancing the region’s attractiveness to IT companies.
Challenges and Resolutions
Rohit Bhat, CEO of 99Games and a prominent industry figure, underscores the necessity for enhanced branding and marketing efforts to position the coastal cities as tech hubs effectively. He stresses the significance of mentorship, funding avenues, and networking platforms for nurturing startups in these locales. Additionally, Bhat mentions the forthcoming addition of 4-5 IT parks, indicating a substantial expansion in the region’s IT domain.
Ecosystem Development
Mohammed Hanif, CTO of Novigo Solution, accentuates the importance of fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. He proposes enticing established IT corporations to establish development centers in the region to bolster its reputation. Hanif also advocates for tax incentives and supportive policies to attract more companies to the area.
Talent Acquisition and Investment Attraction
The universities and colleges in the region churn out a considerable number of engineers annually, with a growing emphasis on fields like AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. The availability of skilled professionals, coupled with the region’s affordable living standards and quality infrastructure, renders it an appealing destination for both IT corporations and startups.
Mangaluru and Udupi stand on the brink of emerging as premier technology hubs in Karnataka, offering a harmonious blend of coastal allure, modern infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. With adequate backing from the government and industry bodies, these cities can unlock their full potential and carve out a significant presence in India’s IT landscape.
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