Karnataka India argets ₹7.5 lakh crore investments, 20 lakh jobs by 2030; Invest Karnataka 2027 announced

Chairing the event in Bengaluru, Shivakumar outlined the government's strategy to accelerate industrial growth, attract international investment and expand economic opportunities beyond the state capital. Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, Industries Minister M.B. Patil, Cabinet colleagues and senior government officials attended the programme.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's words, “The future depends on what we do in the present,” Shivakumar said Karnataka's next phase of development would build on its longstanding tradition of technological innovation, industrial enterprise and economic transformation.

Tracing the state's industrial legacy, he referred to the establishment of Asia's pioneering hydroelectric power station at Shivanasamudra and Bengaluru's subsequent emergence as an international centre for information technology, biotechnology and aerospace. He said Karnataka had consistently contributed to India's economic progress and was now preparing to strengthen its position in emerging industries and advanced manufacturing.

Highlighting the state's economic performance, Shivakumar said Karnataka recorded 8% economic growth during the previous year and had the highest per capita income among India's major states. He also pointed to the presence of more than 1,100 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and the state's contribution of over 40% to India's software exports as indicators of its strong investment ecosystem.

Under the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2025–30, the government aims to mobilise investments worth ₹7.5 lakh crore and create 20 lakh jobs by the end of the decade. The Chief Minister said the administration was working to simplify regulatory approvals, improve investor services and provide support throughout the investment process.

Emphasising the importance of administrative efficiency, Shivakumar declared that investors should be able to concentrate on establishing industries rather than navigating bureaucratic procedures.

“Investors should build factories, not chase files,” he said, underscoring the government's commitment to creating a more responsive and investment-friendly administrative environment.

A major component of the investment strategy will be the development of industrial centres beyond Bengaluru. Shivakumar identified Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Tumakuru and Kalaburagi as cities that the government intends to develop into vibrant economic hubs. The objective is to encourage industries to establish operations in different regions of Karnataka, create employment closer to people's homes and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are more evenly distributed.

The Chief Minister emphasised that industrial development should not be measured solely by the value of investment commitments but also by the employment generated, opportunities created for local communities and improvements in living standards. He said the government would continue strengthening infrastructure, simplifying approvals and promoting policies that support both domestic enterprises and international investors.

The announcement follows Karnataka's previous Global Investors Meet in 2025, which secured investment commitments across manufacturing, technology and other sectors. Industries Minister M.B. Patil has reported that approximately 65% of manufacturing investment commitments from that summit have progressed towards conversion into projects, indicating the government's focus on translating proposals into implementation.

The Invest Karnataka 2027 curtain-raiser, held on November 12, marks the beginning of preparations for the international event. The state government has also initiated arrangements for the summit at Bengaluru Palace, including the selection of an event management agency.

Inviting investors from India and abroad, Shivakumar called upon global businesses to bring technology, capital, expertise and partnerships to Karnataka. He said the state was prepared to support industries seeking to establish new facilities, expand existing operations and participate in emerging sectors of the economy.

Concluding his address with the message, “Come to Karnataka. Build in Karnataka. Grow with Karnataka,” the Chief Minister expressed confidence that Invest Karnataka 2027 would help strengthen the state's industrial ecosystem and generate new opportunities for investment, innovation and employment.