After KWIN City, Karnataka plans SWIFT City for startups in Sarjapur

An artist's illustration of SWIFT City (Startups, Workspaces, Innovation, Finance, and Technology) located in Sarjapur, Bengaluru.

Karnataka is planning to develop a SWIFT City (Startups, Workspaces, Innovation, Finance, and Technology) at Sarjapur in Bengaluru.

"This is to create integrated industrial development and strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem. This will be Karnataka's third major planned industrial hub after Electronic City and ITPL (International Tech Park, Whitefield). As the name suggests, SWIFT City will focus on Startups, Workspaces, Innovation, Finance, and Technology.  The project covers more than 1,000 acres in Sarjapur Industrial Area," said Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil.

In September, Patil revealed that land for the Startup Park in Bengaluru had been identified in Sarjapur. Recently, Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) invited Requests for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Sarjapur Industrial Area, spanning 647.69 acres. The DPR will include economic analysis, surveying, layout plan design, cost estimates etc.

Also Read: Karnataka to hire consultant for masterplan of KWIN City, Bengaluru’s twin

Sarjapur has been chosen for its strategic location, being close to National Highways 44 and 48, and its proximity to Bengaluru’s thriving IT hub. "The envisioned city aims to become a startup hotspot, featuring 8-10 Plug-and-Play infrastructure facilities, each spanning 20-25 acres," said Patil.

He also highlighted the need for well-planned workspaces, which many stakeholders in Bengaluru have pointed out as lacking. “To address this, we will provide 150-meter-wide connecting roads in Sarjapur and ensure world-class facilities, including residential clusters and schools,” Patil said.

Integrated infrastructure for Startups

SWIFT City will offer state-of-the-art offices, residential spaces, and co-working environments to support startups. The initiative aims to create a structured industrial network that create collaboration and innovation. Small and medium-sized startups will benefit from spaces ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 sq ft, available through lease, sale, or investment-sharing models.

"SWIFT City  is expected to become a leading hub for innovation in AI, data analytics, and fintech," said Patil, adding that the government aims to transform Karnataka into a ‘Silicon State.’

"While Bengaluru is already recognised as the Silicon City, the objective is to extend this recognition across the entire state. To achieve this, plans are underway to develop five Mini KWIN Cities, including ones in Vijayapura and Hubballi-Dharwad, in collaboration with the IT/BT department. More details on these initiatives will be unveiled at the Invest Karnataka conclave in February," he said.

"Innovative concepts are essential to attract investors. If we don’t take proactive steps, neighbouring states could gain an edge in securing investment opportunities. Our government is committed to staying ahead by ensuring investment inflows, employment generation, and economic growth,” said Patil.

Also Read: Karnataka's KWIN City to host 5 lakh residents, top foreign educational institutions

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled the first phase of the futuristic Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City project on September 26. Strategically located between Dobbaspete and Doddaballapura and just 45 minutes from Bengaluru airport, KWIN City is designed to attract global talent and promote economic growth focusing on sustainability and innovation.