Shivakumar Calls for Industry Partnership to Build Karnataka’s AI Future

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced plans to expand the state's technology ecosystem beyond Bengaluru, including the creation of an AI University in partnership with industry and new policies aimed at attracting investments to cities across the state.

Addressing CEOs at a breakfast meeting, Shivakumar said Bengaluru's biggest strengths were its talent pool, innovation ecosystem and human capital. He urged industry leaders to work closely with the government to shape Karnataka's next phase of economic and technological growth.

The Chief Minister said Karnataka's software exports had crossed ₹4.36 lakh crore and were expected to surpass ₹5.5 lakh crore this year. He noted that the state's Global Capability Centres had evolved from back-office operations into hubs for innovation, product development and high-value work.

Shivakumar said the government would introduce a policy within the next 100 days to encourage companies to establish operations outside Bengaluru by offering world-class office infrastructure at affordable rates. Office space in other Karnataka cities could be available for as little as 50 paise per square foot, he said.

He also highlighted the state's new IT, Space Technology and Startup policies, along with the Quantum Roadmap aimed at accelerating emerging technologies. The government is also developing a Bengaluru Robotics and Innovation Zone and has introduced the Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026-31.

On the proposed AI University, Shivakumar said the government had held discussions with Google and wanted industry to take a leading role in building the institution. The university is envisioned as a centre for AI education, innovation and collaboration, with plans to eventually introduce AI learning to rural students from Class 6 onwards.

Calling Bengaluru the state's "crown" and Karnataka its "heart", Shivakumar said cities such as Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru and Belagavi must emerge as major technology and investment destinations.

He also urged companies to adopt government schools under their CSR programmes and invited CEOs to participate in the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit, scheduled from November 17 to 19.