Bengaluru’s rise as a global tech hub began with the establishment of the International Tech Park Bangalore (ITPB), commonly known as ITPL, in 1994. This project, a joint venture between India and Singapore, laid the foundation for Bengaluru’s transformation into a tech powerhouse. The city’s growth has been driven by a robust tech ecosystem supported by local players, who have developed world-class office spaces, social infrastructure, and quality real estate.
The efforts of the government, particularly under the leadership of then Chief Minister Shri S.M. Krishna, alongside private developers, were instrumental in creating a strong base for the tech industry in Bengaluru. The city attracted its first R&D multinational corporation, Texas Instruments, and has since grown into a tech giant.
The Legacy of Bengaluru
Even before independence, the Mysore Kingdom made significant contributions to Bengaluru’s development. Engineering feats, such as bringing water to a city situated 1,000 meters above sea level, showcased the city’s engineering prowess. By the 1980s, Bengaluru’s unique blend of top-notch educational institutions and government R&D centers set it apart from other cities in India.
Today, some argue that Bengaluru has become oversaturated. However, with the completion of the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), the expansion of metro lines, and the city’s growth towards NH 48 and the western side, there remains immense potential for further development. Recognizing this, the Karnataka government has shifted its focus beyond Bengaluru to develop additional growth engines in the IT sector.
Expanding to Other Cities in Karnataka
Karnataka’s tier-two cities – Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru – are gradually establishing a presence in the IT and related sectors. While Bengaluru continues to attract talent from across the state and the nation, the benefits of creating high-paying service sector jobs are now becoming evident in these emerging cities as well.
Developing Grade A office spaces and robust social infrastructure is crucial to building a thriving tech ecosystem. Hubballi and Mysuru are already seeing the construction of such spaces, with social infrastructure developing rapidly.
Emerging Technology Hubs
Hubballi, Mangaluru, and Mysuru are among the 26 emerging technology hubs in India identified by NASSCOM. The presence of IT and allied knowledge processing industries in these cities highlights their potential as future tech centers.
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Hubballi-Dharwad, located in the northwest part of Karnataka, is an established industrial city strategically positioned on the NH48 Pune-Bengaluru Highway. The city has become a design center for semiconductor chips, valves, and product design, with local firms like Sankalp Semiconductor excelling in chip design for various industries. Recently acquired by HCL Technologies, Sankalp Semiconductor is a notable success story. Hubballi also hosts Deshpande Startups, India’s largest platform for startups, recognized as a Technology Business Incubator. In the IT space, Infosys operates in Hubballi, and the city is home to top educational institutions like IIT Dharwad and IIIT Dharwad. Hubballi is poised to lead the Global Capability Centers (GCC) space in the northwestern Karnataka region. With Dharwad being an industrial node on the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and 6000 acres of land earmarked for manufacturing, design led manufacturing can be the theme leading to requirements for Grade A office spaces.
Mysuru has a long history in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM). As early as the 2000s, it attracted companies like AT&S, one of the few high-density PCB manufacturers in India, and L&T EBG. In the IT sector, Infosys was among the first companies to establish software development blocks and a massive training center in Mysuru. Other notable IT companies in the Mysuru include Wipro, Softvision (now part of Cognizant Technology Solutions), and IBM’s Client Innovation Center. Numerous IT firms are located in Hebbal industrial areas and other parts of the city. L&T Technology Services (LTTS) recently opened its global design delivery center, Module X, in Mysuru’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In the ESDM space, companies like Kaynes Technology, Würth Electronics, Skanray, Vinyas Innovative Technologies, Cyient DLM, and Rangsons Aerospace lead design-led manufacturing.
Mysuru also boasts significant auto ancillary industries. JK Tyre, for instance, has established the impressive Raghupati Singhania Center of Excellence for Tyre and Vehicle Mechanics, a ₹300 crore facility. Automotive Axles, along with Meritor, also operates an R&D center in the city. Mysuru’s existing and future credentials make it a viable location for housing Grade A office spaces.
Governments must extend more support
As emphasized earlier, the development of high-grade office spaces and good quality civic amenities are key to nurturing a thriving tech ecosystem.
The central and state governments must ensure that Karnataka’s tier-two cities are not left behind by providing ample infrastructure in terms of connectivity and civic amenities. The future of Karnataka’s IT sector depends on the balanced growth of its emerging tech hubs.
Grade A office space is being developed by in Hubballi by Marvel ecron and in Mysuru by Gopalan E park SEZ
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