Mangaluru to be developed as ‘Silicon Beach City’: Minister Priyank Kharge

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 25, 2025: Rural Development and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge has said that steps will be taken to provide the necessary infrastructure to transform Mangaluru into a Silicon Beach City, tapping into its strong potential for innovation-driven economic activities.

Speaking at a press conference at the Zilla Panchayat office on Wednesday, he noted that while Bengaluru contributes 40% to Karnataka’s GDP, Mangaluru comes second with a 5.4% share. “Though the gap between the first and second cities is significant, Mangaluru has immense capacity for growth, especially in industries linked to marine resources,” he said.

The Minister explained that IT-BT companies are currently concentrated in Bengaluru, but the government is working to encourage private investment beyond the capital. While Kalaburagi will be developed with a focus on agri-tech, the Mangaluru cluster will be promoted as a hub for the marine economy, strengthening the local economy.

Under the state’s IT policy, ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked to support research and startups across six innovation clusters, including the Mangaluru–Udupi–Manipal cluster. Of this, ₹250 crore has already been released. Next month, educationists and industrialists from the region will meet to outline local requirements, based on which the government will frame further measures, Kharge said.

He added that the government plans to encourage startups addressing challenges in marine biology and aquaculture. Last year alone, IT services exports from this coastal belt were worth ₹3,500 crore, with plans to double the figure in the coming years.

Currently, out of 400 startups in Karnataka, about 81 are based in the Mangaluru–Udupi–Manipal cluster, including 30 women-led enterprises. The Minister said the government will provide all possible support to retain local talent by nurturing such ventures.

ZP CEO Vinayak Karbari and the Minister’s private secretary Bhima Shankar were also present.