The HDB Techceleration 2026 summit in Hubballi highlights the rapid transformation of the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi region into a major industrial and tech powerhouse under the Beyond Bengaluru Mission.

  • The HDB region hosts 158 IT companies and over 800 DPIIT-recognized startups.
  • ₹56 crore in government support has been allocated for Centres of Excellence and a 24-acre IT park.
  • Global interest is rising due to Japanese investments and ties with aerospace giants like Airbus and Boeing.
  • The summit focuses on AI, EVs, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

HUBBALLI, Karnataka: The sixth edition of the two-day HDB (Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi) Techceleration 2026 commenced in Hubballi on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the state's industrial landscape. Organized under the Karnataka Government’s 'Beyond Bengaluru Mission,' the event brought together more than 700 delegates, 100 startups, and 25 high-profile investors to explore the region's burgeoning potential.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of KDEM, emphasized that the HDB region has reached a critical 'inflection point.' With a robust growing base of industries, talent, and institutional capabilities, the region is no longer just a secondary market but a primary contender in the technology space. Currently, the region boasts 158 IT companies and over 800 DPIIT-recognized startups.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the 'Beyond Bengaluru Mission' is a strategic move to decentralize economic power in India. By fostering high-tech clusters in North Karnataka, the state is mitigating the pressure on Bengaluru while creating localized hubs for semiconductor, aerospace, and EV supply chains, which are critical for India's future economic sovereignty.

The HDB region is rapidly evolving from a traditional industrial zone into a high-tech ecosystem driven by deep-tech and advanced manufacturing.

Mr. Gupta highlighted that 38 companies are actively looking to establish operations in the region. To facilitate this, the government has provided ₹56 crore in support for Centres of Excellence and is developing a dedicated 24-acre IT park. The involvement of Japanese investors and the proximity to aerospace leaders such as Airbus and Boeing underscore the region's strategic importance in the global supply chain.

Historical Background

The 'Beyond Bengaluru Mission' was launched by the Government of Karnataka to diversify the state's economic footprint. Historically, Karnataka's tech growth was heavily concentrated in Bengaluru. This mission aims to replicate that success in other regions like Hubballi, Dharwad, and Belagavi, ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution reach a wider demographic and support regional balanced growth.

Industry leaders such as Venkatesh Patil (Managing Director, Belgaum Oxygen) noted that the HDB region has successfully evolved into a cluster where industry, academia, and government converge. He pointed out that startups from Gujarat and Bengaluru are increasingly participating in local programs like HDB BLUE. Similarly, Santosh Huralikoppi (MD & CEO, NS Infotech) stressed the need for closer collaboration between educational institutions and the industry to convert the annual talent pipeline of 25,000 students into industry-ready professionals.

Did You Know?: The HDB region is strategically positioned to become a vital link in the global aerospace and electric vehicle supply chains due to its unique industrial mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What sectors are being prioritized at HDB Techceleration 2026?
Answer: The summit focuses on advanced manufacturing, electronics, deep technology, AI, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and MSME innovation.

Question 2: How is the government supporting the HDB region's growth?
Answer: The government has provided ₹56 crore for Centres of Excellence and is establishing a 24-acre IT park to attract more companies.