The Karnataka government has approved a Global Technology Centre (GTC) at Hubballi IT Park, spread over about 10,000 sq ft on rent-free premises. IT Minister Priyank Kharge’s office announced it on September 29 as part of efforts to grow the state’s technology sector beyond Bengaluru.
Note: the ₹5.8 crore is the state’s own spending over three years, not private investment. No job numbers have been announced.
What has been approved
The Hubballi centre will cost ₹5.80 crore over three years, made up of ₹4.90 crore in capital expenditure and ₹90 lakh in operating costs. The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) will implement the project, and Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) will handle the infrastructure work.
Part of the LEAP programme
The centre is being set up under the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP). The programme’s aim is to give technology talent, startups and entrepreneurs the infrastructure and opportunities they need locally, outside Bengaluru. LEAP has a total allocation of ₹1,000 crore over five years. The government approved ₹200 crore for the first year, with ₹110 crore earmarked for incubators and accelerators, which is the pool funding both new centres.
Belagavi gets one too
A second GTC will come up at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Belagavi, with about 10,000 sq ft of plug-and-play facilities. It will cost ₹82.80 lakh over three years, with KDEM as the implementing agency.
Why it matters for North Karnataka
The state says the centres will create opportunities for youth, startups and technology-driven enterprises in North Karnataka. Placing a centre at VTU in Belagavi is meant to strengthen links between colleges, the tech sector and industry.
Not a new announcement
The 2025-26 state Budget had already announced Global Technology Centres through KEONICS in Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi, with plug-and-play facilities. The latest approval covers the Hubballi and Belagavi centres. I did not find a similar approval for Mangaluru, so don’t state one.
What has not been announced yet
The government has not yet announced:
- When construction will start or when the centre will open
- Who can take space (startups, companies, students) or how space will be allotted
- Any fees, seat numbers or selection process
- Any job or startup targets
What to watch next
- Whether a start and opening date is announced
- Whether allotment rules are published
- Whether the Mangaluru centre is approved next
Key takeaways
- ₹5.8 crore approved for a GTC at Hubballi IT Park, about 10,000 sq ft
- Funded under LEAP, implemented by KDEM, with KRIDL building it
- A Belagavi centre at VTU was approved alongside it at ₹82.80 lakh
- No job figures yet, and this is state spending, not private investment
FAQ
What is a Global Technology Centre?
A plug-and-play facility offering space and infrastructure for startups, technology firms and talent outside Bengaluru. The government describes the plan in those terms.
How much will the Hubballi centre cost?
₹5.80 crore over three years: ₹4.90 crore capital spending and ₹90 lakh operating costs.
Who is setting it up?
KDEM is the implementing agency, and KRIDL handles infrastructure.
What is LEAP?
The Local Economy Accelerator Programme, a ₹1,000 crore, five-year state initiative to build tech and startup infrastructure beyond Bengaluru.