Bengaluru, Sep 8: Karnataka is stepping up efforts to establish itself as a global hub for emerging technologies, with the state government inviting technology companies, startups, investors and researchers to join its ambitious plan to develop a proposed Quantum City.
Karnataka Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology Ajay Dharam Singh said the government wants industry and research institutions to be part of the initiative from the early stages. Their participation, he said, will be important in building an ecosystem that supports research, innovation, investment and the growth of deep-tech companies.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable on Space, Mobility and Drones in Bengaluru, the Minister said the proposed Quantum City would be developed as a platform where researchers, startups, investors and technology companies can work together and turn new ideas into commercially viable technologies.
The state is looking to build on its strong presence in information technology and aerospace while expanding into fast-growing areas such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence, SpaceTech, DroneTech and geospatial technologies.
Singh also highlighted Karnataka’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment for technology companies. The government aims to make it easier for firms to develop, test, manufacture and scale innovative products within the state.
The state’s Space Technology Policy 2025-30 is another key part of this strategy. Karnataka has set targets to increase its share of India’s space industry, expand its presence in the global market, attract $3 billion in investment and train 50,000 professionals by 2033.
The Minister also stressed that advanced technology should have a practical impact on people’s lives. He pointed to the growing role of satellite imagery, drones, GIS, remote sensing and artificial intelligence in managing groundwater, monitoring lakes and tanks, improving irrigation infrastructure and tracking development projects.
The government believes that bringing these technologies into everyday public services can make infrastructure management more efficient while creating new opportunities for technology companies and skilled professionals.
The Bengaluru roundtable brought together former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, Consul General of Israel to South India Orli Weitzman, representatives from NewSpace India Limited, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, ideaForge, Axelspace, BlackSky, Capella Space, EnduroSat, Sarla Aviation and TakeMe2Space, as well as investors and other technology industry leaders.
With the proposed Quantum City and its wider deep-tech initiatives, Karnataka is looking to strengthen its position as a destination where innovative technologies can be developed, tested, manufactured and scaled for markets in India and around the world.