Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the establishment of three dedicated global innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi as part of the state’s Global Capability Centres (GCC) policy. The announcement was made during the inaugural session of the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
The districts will serve as specialized hubs for GCCs to set up operations, aligning with Karnataka’s goal to position itself as a global leader in innovation and technology. “Karnataka has launched India’s first dedicated Global Capability Centres (GCC) policy, aimed at empowering and supporting these centres,” Siddaramaiah said. “Taking this forward, we are proud to announce the creation of these global innovation districts.”
Ambitious Goals for GCC Expansion
The newly introduced Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029 aims to establish 500 new GCCs by 2029, creating 3.5 lakh jobs and generating $50 billion in economic output. Currently, Bengaluru accounts for 30% of India’s GCCs and 35% of its workforce. The policy aims to expand this leadership by encouraging companies to establish innovation hubs across the state.
A key component of the policy is the “Beyond Bengaluru” initiative, designed to drive equitable development in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including Mysuru, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Hubballi-Dharwad. Companies setting up in these regions will receive incentives to decentralize innovation and tap into previously untapped talent pools.
Skilling and Workforce Development
Highlighting Karnataka’s unmatched engineering talent and global reputation for artificial intelligence expertise, Siddaramaiah introduced NIPUNA Karnataka, a program designed to create an industry-ready workforce. “Our state is a preferred destination for GCCs thanks to its engineering talent and the highest number of AI professionals globally,” he said.
During the event, five MoUs were signed with Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, IBM, and BFSI Consortium, aimed at skilling 1 lakh people in the state, further strengthening Karnataka’s tech ecosystem.
The GCC Policy and innovation districts reaffirm Karnataka’s position as a premier destination for technological excellence and innovation, building on its legacy as a hub for global tech giants.