Karnataka unveils new startup policy, targets 25,000 startups over five years
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Startup Policy (2025-30), which aims to build 25,000 companies across the state, 10,000 of which will be outside of Bengaluru. The government has also set up Rs 518.27 crore to implement the strategy over a five-year period.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil said on Thursday, while briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting that the new policy aims to expand the state’s startup ecosystem into tier-2 and tier-3 regions. The focus sectors will include artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing and other deep-technology fields.
According to a note from the IT/BT Department, India, which currently has world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with 1.59 lakh startups, includes over 73,000 led by women. Karnataka has more than 18,000 recognised startups. These startups account for 15% of those recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. The note also states that half of all funded startups in the country are based in Bengaluru.
The government plans to support startup incubation and acceleration facilities and expand growth beyond the capital through key initiatives. The 'Beyond Bengaluru Cluster Seed Fund,' will provide early-stage capital, mentorship and access to investor networks for startups in smaller cities, while Elevate Beyond Bengaluru, will focus on nurturing entrepreneurial activity in tier-2 and tier-3 centres.
The policy also proposes a Rs 500-crore ‘fund of funds’ to help startups working on longer-gestation innovation projects. In addition, the government intends to develop growth labs across six identified technology clusters, grouped under two regions: Cluster A (Mysuru, Mangaluru, Tumakuru) and Cluster B (Hubballi–Dharwad, Kalaburgi, Shivamogga).
In a statement, IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge said Karnataka remains a leading force in the country’s innovation landscape, and the new policy aims to strengthen entrepreneurship models and encourage inclusive development across the state.
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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
