Karnataka to Establish Global Innovation Districts and Boost Tech Talent Development

At the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of three global innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi. This initiative is part of Karnataka’s ambitious Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy 2024-2029, aimed at transforming the state into a global hub for innovation and technological excellence.

Key Highlights:

• GCC Policy 2024-2029: Targets 500 new GCCs, 3.5 lakh jobs, and $50 billion in economic output by 2029.
• Skilling Initiatives: Karnataka partnered with Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, IBM, and the BFSI Consortium to train 1 lakh people in AI, deep tech, cloud services, and fintech.
• "Beyond Bengaluru" Initiative: Focuses on boosting innovation in tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad.

Collaboration Details:

• Microsoft: 10,000 trainees annually in deep tech.
• Intel: 20,000 trainees per year in AI.
• Accenture: Training 10,000 people in cybersecurity and quantum computing.
• IBM: Commitment to skill 50,000 individuals in AI and cloud services.
• BFSI Consortium: 10,000 trainees in banking and finance.

GCC Policy: A Game-Changer The Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029 seeks to:

• Attract 500 new GCCs by 2029.
• Create 3.5 lakh jobs.
• Generate $50 billion in economic output.

Karnataka already leads with 30% of India’s GCCs and 35% of its workforce in this sector. The policy also promotes a “Beyond Bengaluru” initiative, focusing on equitable development in tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Mysuru, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Hubballi-Dharwad.

Talent Development Partnerships Karnataka’s collaboration with tech giants like Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, IBM, and the BFSI Consortium will skill 1 lakh people in emerging technologies such as AI, deep tech, cybersecurity, and cloud services.

MoUs Signed:

• Microsoft: Training 10,000 trainees annually in deep tech.
• Intel: Skilling 20,000 individuals in AI yearly.
• Accenture: Equipping 10,000 professionals in cybersecurity and quantum computing.
• IBM: Preparing 50,000 people for AI and cloud services.
• BFSI Consortium: Training 10,000 individuals in banking and finance.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked, “Karnataka is the preferred destination for GCCs due to its unmatched engineering talent and the highest number of AI professionals globally. Initiatives like NIPUNA Karnataka will create an industry-ready workforce, ensuring our leadership in innovation.”

Infrastructure Expansion and Sustainability The proposed innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi will be dedicated parks for GCCs, enhancing infrastructure and creating a sustainable ecosystem for innovation. Incentives will be provided to companies establishing operations in these regions, fostering decentralised growth and tapping into untapped talent pools.

Karnataka’s Vision for Innovation

With initiatives like the GCC policy, NIPUNA Karnataka, and collaborations with global tech leaders, Karnataka is poised to solidify its position as India’s premier technology destination.