The Karnataka cabinet has approved two major policy frameworks — the Information Technology (IT) Policy 2025–2030 and the Space Technology Policy 2025–2030 — backed by a combined outlay of ₹967.12 crore. Together, these policies are designed to cement Karnataka’s position as India’s leading technology hub while spreading digital growth to emerging cities across the state.
The state’s targets are ambitious. By 2030, Karnataka aims to triple software exports from ₹4.09 lakh crore to ₹11.5 lakh crore, raise the IT sector’s share of the state economy from 26% to 36%, and create over 90 lakh direct and indirect jobs. Ministers describe the initiative as a structured effort to strengthen Karnataka’s global competitiveness across AI, deep tech, cybersecurity, and space technology.
IT Policy 2025–2030: Talent Retention, Beyond Bengaluru, and AI-Led Transformation
A cornerstone of the new IT policy is the ‘IT Talent Return Programme’, built to attract mid-career Indian professionals working abroad — a response to rising uncertainty around global layoffs and U.S. visa constraints. A dedicated digital portal will match returnees with Karnataka-based companies seeking leadership, R&D, and specialist roles.
The policy also reinforces the state’s Beyond Bengaluru mission by pushing new investments into Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Tumakuru, and Shivamogga. The objective is to establish satellite hubs with strong digital infrastructure so companies can scale outside the capital while accessing the same quality of talent.
Technology priorities under the policy include Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Blockchain, Green IT, and advanced Cybersecurity, reflecting the state’s plan to become an “AI-native” economy where AI is embedded across industries and public services.
A dedicated Women in Global Tech Missions Fellowship will train 1,000 mid-career women to return to leadership and R&D roles, addressing gender gaps in senior technical positions.
Space-Tech Policy 2025–2030: Training 50,000 Professionals and Attracting $3 Billion Investment
Alongside IT, the cabinet approved a comprehensive space-tech roadmap aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s dominance in India’s space ecosystem. The policy sets clear goals:
Train 50,000 students and professionals for space-tech careers
Attract $3 billion in investments from global and domestic companies
Retain 50% of India’s space-tech market share
Capture 5% of the global market
To support this, the state will establish Centres of Excellence in AI, Computing, and Defence Technology at IIT Dharwad, each receiving ₹18 crore under the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP).
Positioning Karnataka for the Next Decade of Tech Innovation
State leaders say the policies are engineered to create long-term economic resilience by:
Strengthening the GCC ecosystem
Expanding innovation beyond Bengaluru
Creating a larger pool of job-ready talent
Accelerating AI and deep-tech adoption
Building India’s strongest space-tech workforce
Combined, these policies reflect Karnataka’s attempt to stay ahead of global technology shifts while ensuring inclusive growth across the state’s emerging cities.
