Space technology startup Astrobase and German agrochemical company Bayer plan to invest a combined ₹700 crore in Karnataka. The projects are expected to create more than 1,470 jobs across the state.
Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil announced the investments after meeting senior representatives from both companies in Bengaluru. Astrobase plans to invest ₹500 crore in a rocket engine manufacturing facility, while Bayer will invest ₹200 crore in a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru.
Astrobase Plans ₹500 Crore Rocket Engine Facility
Astrobase will establish a rocket engine manufacturing facility at the Adinarayana Hosahalli Industrial Area in Karnataka. The company plans to invest ₹500 crore in the project, which will cover 10 acres.
The facility is expected to have an annual production capacity of 40 rocket engines and generate more than 1,250 jobs.
Astrobase is developing medium-lift launch vehicles, reusable launch systems and indigenous rocket propulsion technologies. The company aims to increase its annual payload delivery capacity to 100 tonnes by 2032 and 1,000 tonnes by 2040.
Patil said the investment comes at a time when global demand for launch vehicles is growing. He also noted that the company is led by professionals with experience in India’s space programme, including former ISRO scientists.
Bayer to Establish Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru
Bayer plans to invest ₹200 crore to establish a Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru. The proposed centre is expected to create around 220 jobs.
Patil said Bayer is keen to hold the groundbreaking ceremony before the Global Investors Meet scheduled for April 2027. The company also plans to begin operations at the earliest.
Bayer already operates a service and innovation hub in Bengaluru and a crop research centre in Chamarajanagar. It has been operating in India for 125 years and employs around 11,000 people.
Its Indian operations include seven manufacturing plants and three Global Engineering Centres.
Karnataka Attracts Investment from Both Companies
Patil recalled meeting Bayer’s leadership in Amsterdam during his recent visit to the Netherlands to attract investments to Karnataka.
The discussions in Bengaluru included Astrobase Co-Founder Neeraj Khandelwal, Chief Financial Officer Nishant Jain and Head of Business and Strategy Puneet Balasubramanian. Himanshu Patel represented Bayer.
