At the KATALYST CONNECT event in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar engaged with more than 200 leaders of global capability centres (GCCs), corporate heads and senior officials to chart the next phase of the state’s digital economy. The dialogue focused on artificial intelligence, talent pipelines, infrastructure upgrades and the ecosystem needed for world‑class innovation.

Policy‑driven Expansion Blueprint

Shivakumar declared that Karnataka aims to bring **500 new GCCs** into the state by 2029. This ambition is projected to create **350,000 high‑quality jobs** and generate **$50 billion** in economic output – a substantial boost to the state’s GDP. To achieve this, the government has rolled out a comprehensive policy package that includes streamlined approvals, tax incentives, and dedicated R&D funds.

Infrastructure Mega‑Projects

The chief minister unveiled a **123‑km Bengaluru Business Corridor** slated for a first‑phase investment of ₹26,000 crore. Complementary projects include a small tunnel near Hebbal, a 40‑km tunnel road, a 44‑km double‑decker flyover, and a 133‑km flyover network, together accounting for **₹1.5 lakh crore** in capital spending. These massive infrastructure undertakings are designed to make Karnataka an attractive destination for GCCs and to catalyse local industry growth.

Industry Participation and Global Linkages

Global giants such as Google, Target, Intel, IBM, Nokia, Bosch, JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Chevron, Philips, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Takeda, Novo Nordisk, Rolls‑Royce, Raytheon, Ford, eBay, Carl Zeiss, Collins Aerospace, Johnson Controls and Maersk were present at the meeting. Their involvement underscores Karnataka’s potential to become a worldwide hub for AI‑driven product development, engineering breakthroughs and enterprise transformation.

Extending Opportunities to Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 Cities

Shivakumar also announced that the state will permit **double Floor Area Ratio (FAR)** in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities, enabling multi‑storey construction and reducing office‑space rent to half a dollar per square foot. This move aims to decentralise growth, offering comparable employment prospects beyond Bengaluru.

Collectively, these initiatives position Karnataka not merely as India’s leading GCC destination but as a catalyst for global technology innovation. By aligning policy, infrastructure, and talent development, the state is poised to reshape the nation’s digital landscape and drive sustainable economic growth.