The Karnataka cabinet has recently sanctioned the establishment of eight Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) outside Bengaluru, aiming to enhance research and innovation across the state. This initiative, part of the Startup Policy 2022-27, comes with a budget allocation of Rs 80 crore, with each incubator receiving Rs 10 crore.
The TBIs will be located at various institutions, including the University of Horticulture Sciences in Bagalkot, Yenepoya University in Mangaluru, DIMHANS in Dharwad, VTU in Belagavi, JSS Mysuru, Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education in Tumakuru, Malnad College of Engineering in Hassan, and Maratha Mandal”s Engineering College in Belagavi. Additionally, TBIs at NIE in Mysuru, PESIT in Shivamogga, and KLE University in Belagavi are expected to receive Rs 9.99 crore each.
The primary focus areas for these incubators include Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the Internet of Things (IoT), software products, advanced manufacturing techniques such as robotics and 3D printing, healthcare and biopharma, agriculture, clean technology, energy, and water recycling. This initiative is designed to foster a vibrant technology ecosystem, promoting research, startup incubation, and commercial activities beyond Bengaluru.
In addition to the TBIs, the cabinet approved the construction of 2,200 new classrooms in government schools, with the Public Works Department overseeing the project at a cost of Rs 360 crore.
Other significant decisions included allocating Rs 20.47 crore for procuring technical and management consultancy services for the Karnataka Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (K-Shore) project, developing and maintaining four existing ports under a public-private partnership model, and establishing a compressed biogas unit in Kolar to process green waste.
Moreover, the cabinet granted administrative approval for the Mandya Agricultural University to initiate infrastructure development projects worth Rs 23.25 crore and allocated Rs 1,825 lakh for additional equipment for the Karwar Cancer Care Unit. Adjustments were also made to the recruitment criteria for Karnataka State Reserve Police and India Reserve Battalion personnel, as well as the establishment of the Kaveri IT Cell within the Registration and Stamp Department for software development.
