Mangaluru: Known as the Silicon Beach of India, Mangaluru is preparing to position itself as the country’s next major data centre hub, with the government expected to make a formal announcement during Technovanza 2025 next week.
With a strategic coastal location, direct access to submarine cable routes, and a thriving local tech ecosystem, Mangaluru is being projected as Karnataka’s coastal answer to Mumbai and Chennai, both of which have leveraged their maritime strengths to become established data centre destinations.
Coastal edge over Bengaluru
According to Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), Bengaluru has long been the state’s tech capital, but faces natural limitations in terms of land availability, power supply, and its inland location.
“Mangaluru offers the right mix of factors—direct access to international submarine cable routes, a rapidly expanding infrastructure network, three Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and a major port. This ensures both operational reliability and global digital connectivity,” Gupta said.
He added that Karnataka already has a progressive data centre policy, offering incentives such as land subsidies, green energy support, and single-window clearance systems, which will further strengthen Mangaluru’s case.
Thriving local tech ecosystem
The city is home to a growing number of global and homegrown tech firms. Industry giants like Nidec, Bose Professionals, and Hexaware, along with local innovators such as Niveus Solutions, Robosoft, Novigo, Unicourt, and Elogixa, have created a robust ecosystem that can support large-scale data infrastructure.
By anchoring the next wave of investments in Mangaluru, Karnataka hopes to not just catch up with national leaders but also set global benchmarks for a future-ready, green, and resilient digital backbone.
National demand and Mangaluru’s target
India’s requirement for data centre capacity is projected to reach 17-20 gigawatts in the next five to ten years, according to industry estimates. Rohith Bhat, a founding member of the Silicon Beach Program and founder of Wrkwrk, 99Games, and Robosoft, believes that Mangaluru can aim to handle at least 20% of this national demand.
He pointed out that while data centres may not be labour-intensive, they generate billions in revenue and are critical for powering India’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Preparing for Technovanza 2025
The formal unveiling of the state’s plans to designate Mangaluru as a data centre hub is likely to be made at Technovanza 2025, where policymakers, tech leaders, and investors are expected to converge.
If realised, the initiative could transform Mangaluru into a global digital gateway, bridging India’s connectivity with the world and reinforcing Karnataka’s leadership in the digital economy.
Conclusion
With its coastal edge, progressive policies, and strong tech ecosystem, Mangaluru is set to emerge as Karnataka’s new digital powerhouse. By aligning with global trends in sustainable infrastructure, the city could soon rival India’s established hubs while offering fresh opportunities for investment and growth.