Karnataka cabinet clears IT policy 2025-2030, thrust on ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ clusters & AI

The state aims to increase software exports from Rs 4.09 lakh crore to Rs 11.5 lakh crore by 2030.

Karnataka cabinet on November 13 approved Information Technology (IT) policy 2025-2030, aiming to strengthen the state’s leadership in emerging technologies and promote balanced growth through 'Beyond Bengaluru' clusters.

Speaking to reporters, State Minister for Law and Tourism HK Patil said the policy would play a key role in accelerating innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, quantum computing, green IT and advanced cybersecurity.

“The policy aims to seamlessly integrate AI with the state's already strong IT sector, making Karnataka a mobile-native digital destination while unlocking new economic opportunities, fostering innovation and improving public service delivery,” Patil said.

The policy seeks to increase the contribution of the IT sector to Karnataka’s GSDP and significantly enhance software exports by 2030. A major thrust will be on developing technology and innovation clusters in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi and Shivamogga, as part of the government’s Beyond Bengaluru initiative

The cabinet also approved Karnataka Space Technology Policy 2025-2030, which focuses on leveraging the state’s strengths in aerospace and research to promote the fast-growing space economy.

The policy is structured around five strategic pillars - Skill Development Initiatives, Investment Incentives, Infrastructure Creation, Innovation and Facilitation, and Adoption and Awareness - to promote a sustainable ecosystem for startups, industries, and academic institutions working in the space sector.

The cabinet gave the go-ahead for the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the Local Economic Accelerator Programme (LEAP), which aims to create five lakh new jobs across the state. A total of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for the LEAP programme in the current year.

A Centre of Excellence in Defence Technology and Industry 5.0 will be established under LEAP with a budget of Rs 18 crore over five years, in partnership with Dharti Foundation and IIT-Dharwad. Another CoE in Quantum Artificial Intelligence and Computing will be set up at IIIT Dharwad, with a grant of Rs 18 crore and Research Park Foundation, IIIT Dharwad, as the implementation partner.

The programme also envisions developing startup ecosystems in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Udupi-Manipal, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi, supported by incubators, accelerators, Centres of Excellence, and Global Technology Centres (GTCs). To fuel deep-tech innovation, the government plans to create a Rs 100 crore corpus fund and a Rs 300 crore Fund of Funds (FoF).

Patil said that a total of six new Centres of Excellence will be established outside Bengaluru as part of the 'Beyond Bengaluru' vision.