Rolls-Royce inaugurates largest global Capability & Innovation Centre in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Rolls-Royce, the global pioneer power systems company specialising in aerospace and defence engines, has launched its largest Global Capability and Innovation Centre (GCC) in the city. The facility was inaugurated on Tuesday at Manyata Embassy Business Park.
Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil, who opened the centre, said the talented team in Bengaluru would now be powering the company’s global businesses. Rolls-Royce’s this expansion, he noted, reaffirms Karnataka’s position as India’s leading hub for aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering.
“Bengaluru ranks among the world’s top three aerospace cities for attracting foreign investments. Our state hosts companies with strengths across the entire aerospace and defence value chain. In power systems and propulsion, leaders like Aequs and Collins Aerospace stand out. In structural and mechanical components, Wipro and Mahindra Aerospace are driving progress. In specialised technologies, Boeing, Airbus, and Pixxel are pioneers. And in end-manufacturing, Sarla and Tata Advanced Systems are making significant contributions,” Patil said.
He added that the Karnataka Aerospace & Defence Policy offers an attractive incentive package for investors. “Here, research institutions, global companies, and home-grown start-ups work together to advance technology and manufacturing. This collaborative ecosystem enables us to deliver world-class solutions to the world,” minister explained.
Patil emphasised that Karnataka has consistently promoted investment in aerospace and defence through forward-looking policies, infrastructure development, and ease-of-doing-business measures. “Our government is committed to be a trusted partner in building technologies of global relevance,” he said.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, and Helen McCabe, Global CFO, Rolls-Royce were present.
Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil, who inaugurated the centre, said the talented workforce in Bengaluru would play a key role in powering the company’s global operations. He noted that the expansion reaffirms Karnataka’s position as India’s leading hub for aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering.
“Bengaluru ranks among the world’s top three aerospace cities for attracting foreign investments. Our state hosts companies with strengths across the aerospace and defence value chain, from power systems and propulsion leaders like Aequs and Collins Aerospace, to structural and mechanical specialists like Wipro and Mahindra Aerospace, to pioneers in specialised technologies such as Boeing, Airbus, and Pixxel. End-manufacturing companies like Sarla and Tata Advanced Systems are also making significant contributions,” Patil said.
Highlighting the Karnataka Aerospace & Defence Policy, the minister said the state offers an attractive incentive package for investors. “Here, research institutions, global companies, and home-grown start-ups collaborate to advance technology and manufacturing. This ecosystem enables us to deliver world-class solutions to the world,” he added.
Patil stressed that Karnataka has consistently encouraged investments in aerospace and defence through progressive policies, infrastructure, and ease-of-doing-business measures. “Our government is committed to being a trusted partner in building technologies of global relevance,” he said.
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, along with Rolls-Royce Global CFO Helen McCabe, were also present at the inauguration.
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Karnataka, France explore deeper ties in AI, aerospace, defence manufacturing
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government and France on Tuesday discussed expanding collaboration to strengthen technology infrastructure and development, artificial intelligence, and defence manufacturing.
Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge met Anne Le Hénaff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Government of France, in Bengaluru.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in innovation, skilling, AI, aerospace and defence manufacturing, startup ecosystems and digital governance, with both sides expressing strong interest in building long-term, structured partnerships between Karnataka and France, according to a statement issued by Kharge’s office.
France highlighted its growing need for skilled engineers and technology professionals and expressed interest in partnering with Karnataka on structured talent development and skilling in emerging technologies, the statement said.
“The discussions built on the strong foundation of Indo-French collaboration in areas such as aerospace, animation and emerging technologies, including earlier engagements through Centres of Excellence, academic partnerships and startup exchange programmes,” it said.
The two sides also reviewed ongoing engagement with French innovation ecosystems and institutions, including incubation and innovation platforms in Paris.
Kharge outlined Karnataka’s vision to create dedicated innovation, skills and manufacturing corridors with global partners, particularly in the context of the Indo-French Year of Innovation.
He highlighted the state’s proposal to strengthen engagement through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) and to establish a physical institutional platform in Karnataka to support French startups, SMEs and MSMEs seeking market access, R&D collaboration and a long-term presence in India.
“A couple of areas where we can move quickly and decisively are skills, innovation and advanced manufacturing. We can work towards a skills corridor focused on emerging technologies, an innovation corridor linking our Centres of Excellence, incubators and research institutions, and a stronger partnership in aerospace and defence supply chains,” Kharge said.
“Bengaluru can be a gateway for French companies entering India, and Paris can be a gateway for our startups entering France and the European Union,” he added.
Hénaff said France’s approach to AI is guided by three priorities: building sustainable AI, ensuring AI serves the public interest, and strengthening the protection of children in the digital world.
“As we deepen our cooperation with Karnataka, we see strong opportunities to work together on responsible, trustworthy and inclusive AI by combining innovation, regulation and public policy to ensure technology benefits society while safeguarding our values,” she said.
