The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the Karnataka Space Technology Policy, Information Technology Policy, and the Local Economic Accelerator Programme (LEAP), aiming to boost innovation, emerging technologies, and job creation across the State.
Briefing reporters, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the Karnataka Space Technology Policy 2025-2030 focuses on five strategic pillars: skill development, investment incentives, infrastructure creation, innovation, and awareness. The policy is designed to enhance scientific temperament in the State while addressing sectoral challenges and leveraging economic opportunities.
The Cabinet also sanctioned the Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025–2030, with an estimated budget of Rs 445.5 crore over five years. The policy seeks to promote emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Green-IT, and advanced Cybersecurity. “The policy aims to integrate AI with Karnataka’s robust IT sector, making the State a global AI hub, unlocking economic opportunities, promoting innovation, and improving public service delivery,” Patil said. It also focuses on balanced regional growth, nurturing IT clusters in cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga.
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Under the LEAP initiative, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Defence Technology and Industry, with Dhaarati Foundation, IIT Dharwad, designated as the implementation partner. Another CoE in Quantum AI and Computing will be set up at IIIT Dharwad under a five-year plan costing Rs 18 crore. The LEAP programme has been allocated Rs 200 crore in the current financial year and aims to generate five lakh new jobs across Karnataka.
Innovation ecosystems will be developed in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Udupi-Manipal, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi, including incubators, accelerators, CoEs, and Global Technology Centres (GTCs). Additionally, a Rs 100 crore corpus fund for DeepTech development and a Fund of Funds (FoF) of Rs 300 crore will be established, with six CoEs planned outside Bengaluru.
Patil emphasised that these initiatives under Space, IT, and LEAP policies would foster technological innovation, attract investment, and strengthen Karnataka’s position as a national leader in emerging technologies and industrial development.
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