Karnataka's KEONICS to monetise land, plans convention center near Bengaluru airport

Sharath Bachegowda, chairman of KEONICS, told Moneycontrol, "KEONICS pioneered Electronics City in Bengaluru, home to major IT/ITeS firms. We plan to replicate similar infrastructure in clusters beyond Bengaluru, serving as a catalyst and anchor for startup growth."

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Pragati Maidan-like convention centre near Bengaluru airport

Bachegowda also revealed plans for a convention centre near Bengaluru airport, stating, "In Devanahalli, we are exploring a project akin to Pragati Maidan in Delhi, as Bengaluru currently lacks a large convention centre. For instance, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) primarily hosts exhibitions. We are now considering developing a high-end convention centre on 12 acres within the Hi-tech Defence Zone and Aerospace Park in Devanahalli."

Tech park and CoEs in Beyond Bengaluru clusters

In Mangaluru, KEONICS plans to establish a large tech park focusing on fintech. "At present, we have an incubator in Mangaluru with 120-130 seats. Our proposed tech park will have additional co-working spaces to nurture the fintech ecosystem. We also plan to allocate space for a centre of excellence (CoE) in marine technology and biology."

Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge and Chairman of KEONICS Sharath Bachegowda (L to R)

In Mysuru, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission has allocated space for Lahari, an advanced electronics test facility supported by the Union and state governments. "We are now exploring the establishment of another similar facility," said Bachegowda.

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“For instance, establishing major centres in places like Mangaluru, if successful, will catalyse further development around them. This is our goal. We plan to establish centres of excellence for scaling, entrepreneurship and incubation—not just for land monetisation. While profitability is important, we prioritise ventures that bring broader benefits." said Bachegowda, who is also the Congress MLA from Hoskote.

Bachegowda said, "Once we receive the report for consultants, we will finalise a feasible model, whether through joint development, joint venture or wholly managed by KEONICS. We will also decide whether it will be based on revenue sharing or area sharing."

Hubballi IT park revamp

KEONICS has also invited tenders for consultancy services to prepare detailed project reports and detailed design consultancy for structural retrofitting, repairs and renovations at the IT park in Hubballi.

“Hubballi IT park requires a comprehensive revamp. We currently have close to 3 lakh square feet of office space available. We are also exploring the possibility of establishing one of our CoEs in Hubballi." said Bachegowda.

KEONICS operates the two-decade-old IT park in Hubballi spanning 3.2 acres, offering 2.65 lakh square feet of built-up IT workspace with world-class infrastructure.

KITS to set up facilities in Beyond Bengaluru clusters

The Karnataka Innovation & Technology Society (KITS) plans to establish K-tech Common Instrumentation Facilities (CIFs) in Hubballi, Mangaluru and Mysuru. It has invited expressions of interest from firms to operate these CIFs, supporting startups and innovations for five years.

Operational since 2017 in Mysuru, Belagavi, Mangaluru, Shivamogga and Bengaluru (Rajajinagar), KITS plans to restructure existing facilities and establish two new focal centres—Mysuru and Hubballi—to boost Beyond Bengaluru clusters.

Assets from Bengaluru (Rajajinagar) and Mysuru will relocate to Karnataka State Open University, Mandakalli, Mysuru, while assets from KEONICS IT Park, Shivamogga, and Belagavi will move to KEONICS IT Park, Hubballi. KITS will provide grants to operationalise and manage these centres, which will include workshops and co-working spaces allocated to startups.

"Startups can access equipment at subsidised rates and receive training from CIF personnel on equipment handling, along with mentoring support. This initiative will benefit entrepreneurs and innovators in tier 2 and tier 3 cities," said an official.

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