Karnataka launches India’s first GCC Policy; to establish 3 dedicated global innovation parks

At the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, the Karnataka government unveiled India’s first Global Capability Centre policy which aims to attract nearly 500 new GCCs to establish their centres in the state over the next five years, doubling the current number to 1,000. The policy also aims to create 3.5 lakh new jobs in the sector generating nearly $50 billion in economic output by 2029.

Speaking at the inaugural event of the summit Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the government plans to establish three global innovation district tech hubs in the state.

“We will establish three dedicated global innovative districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Belagavi. These will be dedicated parks for GCCs to set up their shop in the state” he said during his address.

He added that the Bengaluru distinct innovation park will be located near the airport, just a 45-minute drive away.

At these Global Innovation Districts, GCCs will be offered state-of-the-art infrastructure, including high-speed internet and reliable power supply while adhering to global sustainability norms.

To facilitate ease of doing business, the government plans to introduce various measures including a dedicated single Point of Contact for each hub. Other measures include a state-of-the-art online single-window system for approvals, a dedicated unit for Policy and Regulatory Guidance, and a live digital portal in collaboration with real estate developers to list available commercial spaces in the state. Additionally, operational approvals will be fast-tracked within 45 days.

As part of the policy, the state government also intends to roll out special incentive packages for the companies which establish their centres as anchor investors, in Mysuru and Belagavi district innovation parks.

Further, the state government signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with tech companies at the summit to promote AI skills. Under the ‘Nipuna Karnataka’ skilling program, the government aims to skill 1 lakh people in IT skills. The partnerships established include Microsoft and Intel, which will upskill 10,000 people annually in deep tech and 20,000 in AI, respectively. Accenture will provide cyber and quantum tech training to 10,000, while IBM will train 50,000 in AI and cloud technologies.

The state government has also signed a letter of intent with chip giant Nvidia, to establish an AI data centre, though details are still being finalised.