Karnataka is stepping up its deep-tech ambitions by inviting global technology companies, startups, investors, and researchers to partner in developing a proposed “Quantum City”. The initiative aims to create a globally competitive ecosystem where cutting-edge research, innovation, technology development, and commercialisation can come together.

The announcement reflects Karnataka’s broader strategy of building on its established strengths in IT and aerospace while expanding into emerging sectors such as quantum technology, SpaceTech, DroneTech, artificial intelligence, and geospatial technologies.

Industry Partnership at the Core

Speaking at a high-level roundtable on Space, Mobility and Drones in Bengaluru, Karnataka’s Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology Minister Ajay Dharam Singh called on industry leaders and innovators to participate from the early stages of the Quantum City initiative.

The government wants companies and researchers to contribute ideas, technologies, investment, and partnerships that can help shape the state’s next-generation deep-tech ecosystem.

According to the minister, the objective is to create an environment where technology companies can build, test, manufacture, and scale their innovations within Karnataka before taking them to global markets.

Karnataka Expands Beyond Traditional Technology

While Bengaluru is already recognised as one of India’s leading technology hubs, the state is looking to diversify its innovation economy.

Quantum technologies are expected to be an important part of this transition, alongside artificial intelligence, drones, space technologies, and geospatial solutions. The combination could create opportunities for startups working on advanced computing, satellite applications, autonomous systems, defence technologies, mapping, and intelligent infrastructure.

The government’s approach also focuses on using emerging technologies to address real-world challenges. Satellite imagery, drones, GIS, remote sensing, and AI could play a greater role in groundwater management, lake and tank mapping, irrigation monitoring, and infrastructure development.

Ambitious Space-Tech Targets

Karnataka is also strengthening its position in India’s growing space economy through the Karnataka Space Technology Policy 2025–30.

The state aims to capture 50% of India’s space market and 5% of the global space market by 2033. The policy also targets attracting $3 billion in investments and training 50,000 professionals for the sector.

These targets highlight Karnataka’s ambition to become a major global destination for space startups, advanced manufacturing, and technology-driven innovation.

Bengaluru Brings Together a Deep-Tech Network

The roundtable brought together prominent names from India’s space and technology ecosystem, including former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, representatives from NewSpace India Limited, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, ideaForge, and TakeMe2Space, along with international companies and investors.

Participants included organisations such as Axelspace, BlackSky, Capella Space, EnduroSat, and Sarla Aviation, creating an opportunity for cross-border collaboration and investment.

From Karnataka to the World

The Quantum City proposal signals a shift toward a more integrated deep-tech ecosystem where research, startups, industry, and government can work together.

If executed effectively, Karnataka could strengthen its position not only as India’s IT capital but also as a global hub for quantum computing, SpaceTech, AI, DroneTech, and advanced innovation.

The state’s vision is clear: build and test locally, scale nationally, and take Karnataka-born technologies to the world.

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