Karnataka Unveils 'Vision Beyond Bengaluru' to Drive Regional Tech Growth and Establish AI University

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently announced the ambitious "Vision Beyond Bengaluru" initiative, designed to decentralize technological growth and attract investments to cities across the state, moving beyond the capital. This strategic move aims to foster balanced regional development by offering world-class office infrastructure at highly affordable costs in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The government plans to introduce a comprehensive policy to this effect within the next 100 days, with office spaces potentially available for as little as 50 cents per square foot in these emerging hubs. The Chief Minister underscored the state's robust existing policies in IT, space technology, and startups, emphasizing a focus on DeepTech, digital infrastructure, research, and industry-academia collaboration. A significant highlight of the announcement is the plan to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) University in partnership with the industry. This university is envisioned as a center for learning, innovation, and public digital access, with a long-term goal of integrating AI education for rural students starting from Class 6. Additionally, the government will develop a Bengaluru robotics and innovation zone and introduce a Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026-31, aimed at creating environmentally conscious digital infrastructure supported by renewable energy. Shivakumar urged corporate leaders to leverage their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to adopt government schools, enhancing educational infrastructure and outcomes, and invited them to participate in the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit. These initiatives collectively aim to propel Karnataka into its next phase of technology-led growth, ensuring widespread economic benefits and innovation.