Karnataka Plans Swift City for Start-Ups in Sarjapur

Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil explained that, despite Bengaluru hosting thousands of companies, there has been dissatisfaction with the lack of well-planned workspaces. To address this, the government plans to build 150-ft-wide connecting roads in Sarjapura and ensure world-class facilities, including residential clusters and schools. The area has been selected for its strategic location, close to National Highways 44 and 48, and its proximity to Bengaluru’s thriving IT hub.

SWIFT City will focus on becoming a start-up hotspot, with 8-10 Plug-and-Play infrastructure facilities, each covering 20-25 acres. The city will offer a mix of offices, residential spaces, and co-working environments to support start-ups. Small and medium-sized start-ups will be able to lease, purchase, or share investment in spaces ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 sq ft. The city aims to emerge as a leading hub for innovation in areas like AI, data analytics, and fintech.

Additionally, the government is working to transform Karnataka into a 'Silicon State'. While Bengaluru is already known as the Silicon City, the goal is to extend this recognition across the entire state. Plans are also in place to develop five Mini KWIN Cities, including in Vijayapura and Hubballi-Dharwad, in collaboration with the IT/BT department. More details on these initiatives will be announced at the Invest Karnataka conclave in February.

Minister Patil stressed the importance of innovative concepts to attract investors, noting that if proactive steps are not taken, neighbouring states could gain an advantage in securing investment opportunities. The government remains committed to ensuring investment inflows, job creation, and economic growth.