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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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
