Karnataka reaffirms its date with data: Bold policy reforms under way, in line with industry needs

Bengaluru: Karnataka took a decisive step toward positioning Bengaluru as a global data centre powerhouse, as Karnataka Minister Priyank M. Kharge announced major policy directions aligned with ASSOCHAM’s recommendations and e-launched NTT’s 100 MW data centre campus in Devanahalli, the largest in the city.

Addressing the “8th ASSOCHAM Smart Data centers and Cloud Infrastructure Conclave 2025”, the Minister highlighted Karnataka’s deep-tech leadership, robust talent pipeline and forward-looking governance model aimed at accelerating the next phase of India’s digital economy.

Deep Tech Decade, Talent and Infrastructure First

“Karnataka is the only government in the world that has funded over 1,700 startups, and more than 28 percent of all startups registered with us are in deep tech,” Minister Kharge said.

To strengthen this foundation, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment through:

• A 10-year Deep Tech Decade, backed by ₹635 crore.
• Expansion of the Catalyst Program to support data centre investors.
• The Local Economic Accelerator Program (LEAP) to push investments into Tier-2/3 cities.
• India’s largest reskilling and upskilling initiative, with over ₹300 crore
• A strategic roadmap for energy and water security to power large-scale digital infrastructure.

“It is not just an IT or technology agenda — it is an economic, employment, and national development strategy,” Kharge noted.

The newly launched 8.5-acre NTT Bengaluru campus includes:

• A 100 MW facility load, scalable for hyperscale needs,
• 4 MW ready-to-commission BLR4A hall,
• A dedicated 220 kV substation,
• IGBC Platinum rating, advanced security and renewable energy integration.

This facility consolidates Karnataka’s leadership in sustainable, scalable and AI-ready digital infrastructure.

Karnataka leads a fast-growing global market

With global data centre capacity expected to exceed 2,300 facilities by 2026 and investments projected to reach USD 400 billion by 2030, India is emerging as a key beneficiary.

The country is expected to attract USD 10–12 billion in data-centre investments by 2030 — where Karnataka plays a pivotal role due to its talent advantage, progressive policies, and expanding digital demand in Tier-2/3 markets.

Supporting this momentum, ASSOCHAM and PwC unveiled the report titled:
“Heading Towards the Sustainable Data Hub Vision: Karnataka Leading the Way.”

Endorsement from industry

Industry participants from cloud, colocation, AI and renewable energy sectors underscored the state’s unique readiness for high-growth digital infrastructure. With strong policy direction, stable power availability, and sustainability commitments, Karnataka continues to set benchmarks for a future-ready digital economy.

Exclusive B2G meetings unlock reforms and investment pathways

On the conclave sidelines, high-level B2G meetings chaired by Minister Kharge enabled focused discussions on:

• Land and infrastructure availability,
• Power and renewable energy integration,
• Single-window clearances,
• Fast-tracked environmental and local approvals,
• Zoning and regulatory reforms.

The government assured a coordinated approach across departments to streamline investments, speed up approvals, and reinforce Karnataka’s commitment to becoming the global hub for green, sustainable data centres.