Karnataka Unveils Bold IT & SpaceTech Policies at Bengaluru Summit

Introduction

The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 marked a landmark moment for India’s technology landscape as Karnataka revealed a comprehensive set of new IT, DeepTech, Startup, and SpaceTech policies.

These initiatives reinforce the state’s vision of accelerating innovation, strengthening research and development, and expanding technological growth beyond the confines of traditional IT services.

With the global technology environment rapidly shifting toward advanced domains like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and space exploration, Karnataka’s strategic reforms aim to position the state as a global leader in futuristic industries.

A Transformative Vision for Karnataka's Tech Future

Redefining Karnataka’s Technological Identity

For decades, Karnataka—especially Bengaluru—has been synonymous with India’s booming IT-services industry.

However, the newly introduced policies signal a shift toward deeper, more sophisticated technology sectors.

The goal is not merely to maintain leadership but to elevate Karnataka into a world-class hub for invention, product creation, high-end manufacturing, and indigenous innovation.

Key Objectives of the Transformation

• Promote innovation-driven growth

• Bring international investments into DeepTech and SpaceTech

• Support large-scale R&D and advanced engineering

• Build globally competitive talent pools

• Expand tech opportunities across the entire state

This shift is crucial at a time when nations are racing to develop capabilities in advanced technologies that will shape the next era of economic progress.

The New IT & DeepTech Policy: A Strategic Leap

Unlocking Advanced Technologies

Karnataka’s IT & DeepTech policy focuses on next-generation technology areas that are rapidly becoming essential to global competitiveness.

The policy aims to incentivize businesses, universities, and startups to invest in high-end research, design, and development.

Major Focus Areas

• Artificial Intelligence

• Quantum Computing

• Semiconductor Design & Fabrication

• Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Robotics & Automation

• Advanced Electronics and Chip Design

These domains require specialized talent, robust infrastructure, and sustained government support—all of which are central to the new policy.

Expanding Tech Growth Beyond Bengaluru

An important pillar of the new framework is decentralization.

While Bengaluru remains the epicenter of India’s tech innovation, the state intends to distribute growth to tier-II and tier-III cities to create broader economic opportunities.

How Karnataka Plans to Expand

• Establishing technology clusters in cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Tumakuru, and Hubballi

• Offering incentives for companies to set up operations outside Bengaluru

• Creating regional innovation hubs and incubators

• Improving infrastructure and digital connectivity in smaller cities

This expansion strategy will not only reduce pressure on Bengaluru but also enable balanced regional development.

Karnataka’s First Comprehensive SpaceTech Policy

Positioning the State in the Global Space Economy

The introduction of the SpaceTech policy marks Karnataka’s entry into a sector with immense long-term potential.

The state already houses major aerospace and space institutions, and this policy aims to further strengthen that ecosystem.

Key Goals of the SpaceTech Policy

• Boost local capabilities in satellite design and assembly

• Encourage private companies to innovate in launch vehicles and propulsion

• Build an ecosystem for space data analytics and GIS applications

• Support startups working in space R&D and component manufacturing

• Create global partnerships for space collaborations

With this, Karnataka aspires to become a central hub for India’s expanding NewSpace industry.

Startup Policy: Fueling the Next Wave of Innovation

Supporting 25,000 Startups Across the State

The state’s startup policy aims to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures 25,000 startups, including 10,000 situated outside Bengaluru.

This ambitious plan ensures that innovation spreads to every corner of Karnataka.

Key Support Initiatives

• Funding assistance and grants

• Founder–Investor networking programs

• Global innovation exchange platforms

• Access to mentors, industry experts, and incubation centers

• Support for women-led and student-driven startups

The policy embraces inclusivity, ensuring that talent from rural and semi-urban areas also participates in the technology revolution.

Why These Policies Matter

1. Stronger Global Competitiveness

Advanced policies help Karnataka maintain its leadership in a world that is moving fast toward artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and space innovation.

2. High-Quality Job Creation

DeepTech, space systems, and semiconductor sectors create specialized, high-income jobs that strengthen the state’s knowledge economy.

3. Boost to Advanced Manufacturing

Increased focus on chip design, electronics manufacturing, and aerospace engineering will shift Karnataka from being primarily a service economy to one that builds world-class technology products.

4. Balanced Regional Development

By expanding tech ecosystems across the state, Karnataka ensures more inclusive growth and reduces overdependence on Bengaluru.

Challenges Ahead

Execution Will Define Success

Although the policies are ambitious, their impact will depend on effective implementation. Some key challenges include:

• Building world-class R&D infrastructure quickly

• Addressing talent shortages in DeepTech domains

• Attracting global partnerships and anchor companies

• Ensuring regulatory clarity and ease of doing business

• Competing with other states and countries in similar sectors

The coming years will determine how well Karnataka can convert policy into measurable outcomes.

Conclusion

The unveiling of Karnataka’s new IT, DeepTech, Startup, and SpaceTech policies at the Bengaluru Tech Summit marks a groundbreaking phase in the state’s technological evolution.

These reforms are designed not only to maintain Karnataka’s leadership but to propel it into the global spotlight as a powerhouse of innovation and advanced engineering.

By embracing futuristic technologies and promoting inclusive development, the state is paving the way for a dynamic and globally competitive technological era.