Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar revealed intentions to enhance world-class infrastructure outside Bengaluru, create an AI University with industry collaboration, and introduce new policies to bolster the technology ecosystem.

He also urged industry leaders to collaborate with the government in defining the next stage of growth for the state.

During a breakfast meeting with CEOs, the CM noted that Bengaluru's key strength is its talent reservoir and innovative environment. He attributed the city's success to the individuals and businesses that have established it as India's technology hub.

"You represent the city of Bengaluru." "You represent Karnataka," he said to business leaders, highlighting that although many arrived in the city years back, they decided to remain due to the opportunities and talent available there.

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The breakfast meeting was attended by Minister for IT/BT and Home Priyank Kharge, MLA and Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) Chairman Sharath Bache Gowda, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, as well as senior bureaucrats.

Emphasizing Karnataka's economic achievements, Shivakumar mentioned that software exports surpassed Rs 4.36 lakh crore and are anticipated to go beyond Rs 5.5 lakh crore this year.

“Every figure represents a young engineer starting their career, a developer tackling challenges, and a family striving towards their aspirations,” he was quoted.

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Karnataka's Global Capability Centres have transformed from back offices into centers of innovation, product creation, and high-value tasks, he mentioned.

Reflecting on his discussions with world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Shivakumar mentioned that firms still favor Bengaluru for its skilled workforce, ecosystem, and cost benefits.

"Numerous states are vying for business, but firms inform us that if it costs USD 3.50 in other places, they can accomplish it here for almost USD 1 due to Bengaluru's workforce, environment, and human resources," he said.

The chief minister declared that in the upcoming 100 days, the government will launch a policy to motivate industries to set up operations outside Bengaluru by providing top-notch office infrastructure at very low prices, including office space in other Karnataka cities for just fifty cents per square foot.

He stated that the government has already implemented new policies for IT, Space Technology, and Startups aimed at DeepTech, digital infrastructure, research, collaboration between industry and academia, and entrepreneurship. Karnataka has initiated its Quantum Roadmap to expedite the commercialization of new technologies.

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Shivakumar mentioned that Karnataka is establishing an AI University in collaboration with industry.