Beyond Bengaluru: Karnataka to set up second bioinnovation centre in Ballari

The Karnataka government plans to set up a bioinnovation centre in mining town of Ballari, a translational research and entrepreneurship hub to support startups in the life sciences sector.

The centre in Ballari in North Karnataka would be the second state-funded bioincubator after the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre in the Electronics City.

“The focus is particularly on restoring soil and environmental activities affected by mining. We are also encouraging start-ups in three major areas: regenerative agriculture, healthcare, and climate sustainability,” a senior official told Moneycontrol on condition of anonymity.

The project will be implemented by Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology in collaboration with Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC), officials said.

It being funded through KMERC’s CSR funds, established to manage and restore mining-affected regions in Ballari and neighbouring districts.

“The idea is to boost local-level innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting livelihood activities in mining-affected areas,” the official said.

The centre will come up on a four-acre parcel in  Kolagallu near Shanti Nagar. According to project documents reviewed by Moneycontrol, the facility will cover about 50,000 sq ft, with dedicated laboratory spaces, office units, common instrumentation facilities, and allied infrastructure.

Also read: Major fire breaks out at Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre; estimated loss around Rs 150 crore

The Bangalore centre has already floated tenders to appoint architectural and engineering firms to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) as well as project management consultants for supervision and quality assurance for Ballari.

The Ballari centre is expected to replicate the success of the Bengaluru facility, which has emerged as one of the most advanced public-sector bio-incubators in the country.

The Bengaluru centre is also exploring collaborations in healthcare research and startup engagement. It recently held talks with Ballari Medical College & Research Centre on joint work in oncology, tuberculosis, and pulmonary research, while also focusing on engaging startups, advancing research, and upskilling medical students.

Also read: Fire at Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre: Karnataka IT minister meets affected startups, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw calls incident tragic

Established jointly by the Karnataka government and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, the Bengaluru facility offers incubation facilities, mentorship, funding access, and cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure for start-ups.

Since its launch, the centre has nurtured more than 450 start-ups, graduated more than 100 companies, and helped entrepreneurs raise nearly Rs 500 crore. It has also facilitated the creation of over 500 jobs, supported the filing of 71 patent applications, and launched 45 new products.

The state government earmarked Rs 57 crore in 2025-26 budget to rebuild the fire-hit Bengaluru centre, where a blaze on January 21, 2024 destroyed labs and research material worth.

Also read: Karnataka budget sets aside Rs 57 crore to rebuild fire-ravaged Bengaluru Bio-Innovation Centre