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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TCS orders probe, engages external experts in Nashik Case
Mumbai: Tata Consultancy Services on Friday said it has initiated a formal internal investigation into allegations linked to its Nashik unit and engaged independent external experts to ensure transparency in the process.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K Krithivasan was quoted by The Observer Post as saying that the company has appointed Deloitte and Trilegal as independent counsel to support the probe. The internal investigation is being led by Aarthi Subramanian.
The company has constituted a supervisory committee chaired by independent director Keki Mistry, which will oversee the process. The committee will also review findings and monitor the implementation of recommendations.
Krithivasan said a preliminary review of the company’s internal systems and records had not revealed any complaints of the nature being alleged through its ethics or POSH channels.
He also clarified that an employee named in media reports, Nida Khan, was not part of the human resources function and did not hold any leadership role. He informed that she worked as a process associate.
The company has also rejected reports suggesting that operations at the Nashik facility had been suspended. It asserted that the unit continues to function without disruption with a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.
