Karnataka approves Global Technology Centres in Belagavi and Hubballi

Karnataka is broadening its technology footprint beyond the capital city of Bengaluru by approving Global Technology Centres (GTCs) in Belagavi and Hubballi. This expansion is part of the state's broader strategy to establish itself as a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and deep technology (deeptech) ecosystems, ahead of the 29th Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026, set to take place from November 17-19 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

The Karnataka government announced the establishment of these two GTCs on September 29, 2025, under the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP). The aim is to provide local talent, startups, and technology-driven enterprises with infrastructure situated closer to their home regions. Both GTCs will offer plug-and-play facilities to facilitate easy integration and usage.

The Belagavi GTC will occupy around 10,000 square feet at the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), with an estimated cost of Rs 82.80 lakh over a three-year period. The implementation of this project will be handled by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), while the infrastructure development will be undertaken by Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL).

The Hubballi GTC, similarly, will span approximately 10,000 square feet at the Hubballi IT Park, a location provided on a rent-free basis. This project will cost Rs 5.80 crore over three years, with a budget of Rs 4.90 crore allocated for capital expenditure and Rs 90 lakh for operational expenditure. KDEM will manage the implementation of this center as well.

The funding for these GTCs is sourced from LEAP's allocation for creating incubators and accelerators, which has a total five-year allocation of Rs 1,000 crore. In the first year alone, Rs 200 crore has been approved for the LEAP program, with Rs 110 crore earmarked for incubators and accelerators. The government's announcement of these GTCs through Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation (KEONICS) in Mangaluru, Hubballi, and Belagavi was also announced in the 2025-26 state Budget.

The 2025-26 state Budget has highlighted that the GTCs will bolster connections between educational institutions, startups, technology companies, and industry players. By positioning these centers closer to home, the government aims to foster opportunities for local talent and technology enterprises to thrive. This move is particularly relevant as Karnataka prepares to host the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026, which will focus on AI and its applications beyond traditional software development.

The summit will feature a dedicated AI and Robotics Pavilion, spanning over 50,000 square feet, expected to attract nearly 101 robotics and drone startups. The pavilion will showcase a wide array of innovative technologies, including humanoid robots, autonomous systems, warehouse drones, industrial AI robots, and an AI Digital Twin Simulator of Bengaluru.

The summit anticipates the participation of over 1,800 exhibitors, 1,000 technology startups, and 25,000 delegates from India and abroad, reflecting Karnataka's commitment to building a robust technology ecosystem beyond its capital city.