Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Karnataka Cabinet Approves New Policies for Space, IT, and Economic Acceleration
The government in Karnataka has decided to invest in new plans to boost technology and the economy.
They have approved a new policy for space technology and another for information technology, which will help promote advanced technologies like AI and quantum computing.
A program called LEAP will also get funding to create new jobs and support businesses.
As part of LEAP, two special centers will be set up: one to focus on defense technology and advanced manufacturing, and another to explore quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
These centers will be located at IIT Dharwad and IIIT Dharwad to encourage research and innovation in North Karnataka.
The goal is to make Karnataka a leader in technology, create many new jobs, and spread development across different cities in the state.
Karnataka Cabinet approved new policies for Space Technology, Information Technology, and the Local Economic Accelerator Programme (LEAP).
The IT Policy, with a budget of Rs 445.5 crore over five years, aims to boost AI, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity.
Under LEAP, Rs 200 crore is allocated for the current financial year to create five lakh new jobs.
Two Centres of Excellence will be established: one for Defence Technology & Industry 5.0 at IIT Dharwad and another for Quantum AI & Computing at IIIT Dharwad.
These initiatives aim to foster innovation, promote balanced growth across cities, and develop deeptech expertise in the state.
- Who
- Karnataka Cabinet, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, IT/BT Ministry of Karnataka
- What
- Approved new policies for space technology, information technology, and the Local Economic Accelerator Programme (LEAP), including the establishment of two Centres of Excellence.
- When
- Thursday, November 14, 2025
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Why
- To strengthen deeptech research and innovation, promote emerging technologies, create jobs, foster balanced economic growth across the state, and enhance scientific temperament.
Government's Stated Aims
Program Details
Focus on Emerging Technologies
Government's Stated Aims
The IT Policy aims to promote AI, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Green-IT, and advanced Cybersecurity to make Karnataka a global AI hub, unlock economic opportunities, promote innovation, and improve public service delivery.
Program Details
Specific initiatives under LEAP include establishing Centers of Excellence in Defence Technology & Industry 5.0 and Quantum Artificial Intelligence & Computing, focusing on robotics, UAVs, secure communication, and quantum technologies.
Geographic Development
Government's Stated Aims
The IT Policy emphasizes balanced growth by nurturing IT clusters in emerging cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga.
Program Details
Innovation ecosystems and six Centers of Excellence will be developed outside Bengaluru in cities including Mysuru, Mangaluru, Udupi-Manipal, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi.
Investment and Funding
Government's Stated Aims
The Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025–2030 has an estimated budget of Rs 445.5 crore over five years.
Program Details
LEAP has been granted Rs 200 crore in the current financial year, with a Rs 100 crore corpus for DeepTech development and a Rs 300 crore Fund of Funds.
- Approved Policies
- Karnataka Space Technology Policy 2025-30, Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030, Local Economic Accelerator Programme (LEAP)
- IT Policy Budget
- Rs 445.5 crore over five years
- LEAP Grant (Current Financial Year)
- Rs 200 crore
- LEAP Job Creation Target
- Five lakh new jobs
- CoE - Defence Technology & Industry 5.0
- Budget: Rs 18 crore over five years; Implementation Partner: Dhaarati Foundation, IIT Dharwad; Location: IIT Dharwad
- CoE - Quantum Artificial Intelligence & Computing
- Budget: Rs 18 crore over five years; Implementation Partner: IIIT Dharwad Research Park Foundation; Location: IIIT Dharwad
- DeepTech Corpus Fund
- Rs 100 crore
- Fund of Funds
- Rs 300 crore