The Karnataka government has called on global technology companies, startups, investors and researchers to help shape its proposed Quantum City as a world-class centre for research, innovation and industrial collaboration. The appeal was made during a high-level roundtable on space, mobility and drones in Bengaluru. Minister Ajay Dharam Singh said the state wants industry and innovators involved from the earliest stages of the initiative.
Building a Deep-Tech Hub
Singh described Quantum City as an ambitious initiative that should be built with industry, researchers, startups and investors. He invited technology leaders to engage with Karnataka and contribute ideas, technologies and partnerships for a competitive deep-tech ecosystem. The government is focused on creating conditions where companies can build, test, manufacture and scale their operations.
Karnataka plans to build on its established strengths in information technology and aerospace while expanding into quantum technologies, space technology, drone technology, artificial intelligence and geospatial systems. The state sees these emerging fields as central to its next phase of industrial growth. Officials emphasised that early industry participation would help shape the ecosystem effectively.
The minister's call reflects Karnataka's strategy to combine its existing information technology and aerospace strengths with new opportunities in quantum, space and drone technologies. State authorities believe early engagement will allow companies to co-create infrastructure, testing facilities and manufacturing capabilities. This collaborative model aims to reduce barriers for emerging technology ventures.
Space Policy and Investment Targets
The minister highlighted the Karnataka Space Technology Policy 2025-30 and its target of capturing 50 percent of India's space market and five percent of the global market by 2033. The policy also aims to attract USD 3 billion in investments and train 50,000 professionals. These goals reflect the state's broader ambitions in the deep-tech sector.
Singh urged greater use of satellite imagery, drones, geographic information systems, remote sensing and artificial intelligence for groundwater management, lake mapping, irrigation asset management and project monitoring. He said technology becomes meaningful when it solves real problems faced by people. His message was build, test, make and grow from Karnataka before taking technology to the world.
The policy framework is designed to support end-to-end capabilities from research and prototyping to manufacturing and global market access. Karnataka's existing technology corridors and talent base are seen as key advantages for achieving these targets. The minister added that public agencies would work closely with private players to accelerate deployment.
Industry and Global Participation
The roundtable was held at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru and included former ISRO chairman S Somanath and Orli Weitzman, Consul General of Israel to South India. Representatives attended from NewSpace India Limited, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, ideaForge, Axelspace, BlackSky, Capella Space, EnduroSat, Sarla Aviation and TakeMe2Space. Investors and technology industry leaders were also present to explore collaboration opportunities.
The presence of international companies and consular representatives underscored the growing global interest in Karnataka's technology roadmap. Participants discussed avenues for research partnerships, investment and advanced manufacturing across space and mobility sectors. The event served as a precursor to broader industry engagement planned under the Quantum City initiative.
The Karnataka government's outreach signals a clear intent to position the state as a leading destination for deep-tech innovation and investment. By involving global stakeholders early, it hopes to build a Quantum City that serves both industrial growth and public problem-solving. The proposed collaboration could strengthen India's presence in space, quantum, drone and artificial intelligence markets.