KEONICS Expresses Interest in Constructing IT Park in Mangaluru

Sharath Bachegowda, Chairman of Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (KEONICS), has revealed the corporation's intention to monetize its land assets in burgeoning centers like Mangaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad.

During an informal conversation with media personnel at the 'Mangaluru Technovanza 3.0' event organized by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), Bachegowda disclosed that KEONICS possesses approximately 4 acres of vacant land in Mangaluru. The corporation aims to utilize this land by constructing an IT park spanning around 4 lakh square feet, alongside incorporating facilities for skill development and a center of excellence.

Bachegowda indicated the corporation's ambition to commence the groundbreaking process within six months, provided all technicalities regarding the project are resolved within the same timeframe.

He emphasized that the project will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model as part of KEONICS' strategy to monetize its assets swiftly.

Addressing the audience at the event, Bachegowda underscored Mangaluru's entrepreneurial spirit, citing its role as a breeding ground for entrepreneurs across diverse sectors such as fintech, food and beverage, hospitality, and health tech.

He stressed the importance of inclusive growth in achieving Karnataka's target of a $300 billion economy, advocating for the spread of growth to emerging tech clusters across the state.

Ekroop Caur, Secretary of Karnataka government’s Department of IT, BT and ST, highlighted the government's efforts to simplify processes for startups participating in government tenders. She also mentioned initiatives aimed at promoting growth in Mangaluru, including sector-specific policies like the AVGC policy and plans for a Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology.

BV Naidu, Chairman of KDEM, expressed confidence in Mangaluru's potential to become India's 'Silicon Beach,' citing ongoing investments and projected economic growth.

Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of KDEM, disclosed that numerous companies are poised to establish operations in Mangaluru, indicating a substantial influx of business and technological expertise to the city.

Rohith Bhat, Founder and CEO of 99Games and Lead Industry Anchor of KDME’s Mangaluru Cluster, hailed the city as the 'Silicon Beach of India,' forecasting a significant increase in tech sector employment by 2023.

HBL