Karnataka Pitches for Science City, Incubation Centres as State Govt Doubles Down on Startups

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted Karnataka’s leadership in the country’s Information Technology sector, noting that the state contributed 43% of India’s IT exports. Under the new IT Policy 2025–30, software exports are expected to reach ₹11.5 lakh crore by 2030.

The CM pointed out that Karnataka has moved up from 21st position last year to 14th in the global startup ecosystem and is now home to over 18,000 active startups. He added that Bengaluru is ranked fifth among the world’s top 50 AI cities in the field of artificial intelligence and big data.

Expanding Startup Ecosystem

Under the flagship Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP), incubation facilities will be offered to entrepreneurs in tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities such as Hubballi, Kalaburagi, Hosakote and Mysuru. Plug‑and‑play LEAP labs will be set up by KEONICS (Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited).

To encourage startups in the renewable energy sector, Siddaramaiah announced that an incubation centre will be established in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, the University of New South Wales in Australia, and IISc Bengaluru, at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore.

Centres of Excellence

The Chief Minister also unveiled plans to establish two Centres of Excellence in Bengaluru in partnership with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, and NASSCOM. These centres, with a combined investment of ₹16 crore, will focus on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

Further, facilities worth ₹20 crore will be provided to accommodate the newly established Institute of Advanced Genomics, Genome Editing and Gene Therapy, along with other biotechnology‑based laboratories.

Drone Testing and IT Expansion

“To support drone testing and performance appraisal, a dedicated facility will be established in Chikkaballapur district,” said Siddaramaiah.

He also announced that Mysuru will be developed as the second IT city of Karnataka, aimed at easing congestion in Bengaluru and strengthening economic activity beyond the capital.

Science City Proposal

The Chief Minister confirmed that a detailed report has been prepared and submitted to the Central Government for the establishment of a state‑of‑the‑art Science City in Bengaluru at a cost of ₹233 crore. Once approved, the state will move forward with design and development.