Sunil L
ohan
● It is my privilege to welcome you all to Karnataka,the land of innovation,enterprise,and boundless opportunities.
● I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the esteemed dignitaries present here today.A special welcome to the global investors,industry leaders,policy-makers, diplomats,and innovators who have gathered here to explore the vast opportunities that Karnataka offers.
● I also acknowledge the efforts of our government officials, industry associations, and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to make this Global Investors Meet a grand success.Together,let us embark on a journey of collaboration,innovation,and shared prosperity.
● Karnataka has always been at the forefront of India’s economic transformation, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to being the most investor-friendly state in the country.With a stable policy environment,proactive governance,and a business-friendly ecosystem,we ensure that every investment made here thrives and contributes to inclusive and sustainable growth.
● Karnataka was a major center for weaving,metallurgy, temple-based craftsmanship,and trade during the reign of dynasties like the Kadambas,Gangas,Chalukyas, Hoysalas,Vijayanagara Empire and Mysore Wadiyars.
● The famous Bidriware (metal handicrafts),Mysore silk weaving,and sandalwood carving flourished under royal patronage,laying the foundation for Karnataka’s rich industrial heritage.
● The Mysore Iron and Steel Works, established in 1923, was one of India’s first major steel industries, set up under the visionary leadership of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.
● The Mysore Silk Industry, initiated under the Wadiyar kings, gained prominence and became a global symbol of luxury,a legacy that continues today.
● The Coffee and Plantation Economy flourished in Coorg and Chikkamagaluru,making Karnataka the coffee capital of India,a distinction it holds to this day.
● Karnataka has been the backbone of India’s industrial growth, home to legendary public sector enterprises such as HAL,BEL,BEML,etc.
● Karnataka is home to world-class institutions like IISc, IIM Bangalore,NLSIU, and 200+ engineering and medical colleges producing top talent annually.
● With 400+ R&D centers in biotech,AI,robotics,and space, it stands as India’s intellectual hub,actively upskilling youth in emerging sectors through academia-industry collaboration.
● Karnataka prioritizes responsible, sustainable growth, leading in green economy, eco-friendly industrial clusters,and sustainable urban development.It is India’s top solar energy producer and a leader in wind energy, electric mobility,and sustainable urban development.
● The Beyond Bengaluru initiative ensures balanced industrial growth across the state while maintaining environmental responsibility.
● Bengaluru combines world-class business opportunities with a pleasant climate,attracting top talent and earning its title as the Silicon Valley of India. With a cosmopolitan culture,premier institutions,and a high standard of living, it offers businesses growth and employees an unmatched work-life balance,making Karnataka an ideal investment destination.
● Karnataka’s thriving tourism and service industry,with its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes,and world-class infrastructure,makes it a top destination for global travelers and investors alike.
● Karnataka is a leader in aviation connectivity, with many well-connected airports across the state, including the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, a global hub for passengers and cargo, and several others under construction to further boost regional and international connectivity.
● We are actively identifying suitable locations to fast-track the establishment of Bengaluru’s second international airport, further boosting the city’s global connectivity and economic potential.
● Karnataka’s 320-kilometer-long coastline, dotted with vibrant ports, plays a crucial role in boosting maritime trade,fisheries, and coastal tourism.
● Karnataka,with over 15,000 startups and 40+ unicorns, is India’s largest startup hub and among the top five globally. Initiatives like ELEVATE 100 and Beyond Bengaluru are driving innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reinforcing its leadership in digital transformation.
● Karnataka is positioning itself as the go-to destination for semiconductor manufacturing with major investments from Intel, TSMC, and Micron.
● Karnataka accounts for 60% of India’s electronic product exports, making it a global supplier of next-gen chips and devices.
● Karnataka contributes over 40% of India’s software exports, with the presence of major tech giants like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Google, Amazon, and Apple.
● Karnataka is investing in AI-driven governance, block-chain adoption, and cloud computing ecosystems to future-proof the digital economy.
● Karnataka is the EV capital of India, with Tesla, Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Mahindra Electric investing heavily in the state.
● Karnataka is India’s largest aerospace hub, with more than 65% of aerospace and defense manufacturing happening here.
● The state is a leader in silk production and garment exports, creating lakhs of jobs, especially for women.
● The state leads in biotech research,vaccines,and life sciences,making it a prime destination for medical R&D.
● Karnataka stands as a cornerstone of India’s ore economy, with its rich reserves of iron ore, gold, and other minerals driving industrial and economic growth.
● KWIN City (Karnataka World Innovation Network) will be a dedicated innovation zone for AI, space tech, quantum computing, and biotech.
● Karnataka is developing Health City, a world-class medical hub catering to global healthcare needs, medical tourism, and super-specialty treatments.
● From Bidar to Bengaluru, Belgaum to Bellary, development will reach every corner of our state. We are creating specialized industrial clusters tailored to local strengths, ensuring that every region thrives.
● Karnataka ensures a strengthened and robust law and order system to safeguard the interests of everyone, including investors, fostering a secure and business-friendly environment.
● The Future of Innovation Expo at Global Investors Meet – Invest Karnataka 2025 will showcase cutting-edge advancements from 40+ global industry leaders and startups, spanning drone technology, space tech, agri-tech, health tech, and autonomous solutions for manufacturing, aerospace, and defense.
● The New Industrial Policy 2025-30 outlines Karnataka’s ambitious vision to drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, aiming for a 12% annual growth rate in the manufacturing sector, while targeting ₹7.5 lakh crore in investments and creating 20 lakh jobs by 2030.
● Karnataka is the ideal destination for future-ready investments with its strong policies, world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce, and focus on sustainability. We are building ecosystems that drive growth, create jobs, and enable global ambitions.
● Our digitalized systems, streamlined processes, and robust support mechanisms ensure ease of doing business. From IT to manufacturing, deep-tech to renewable energy, and aerospace to healthcare, Karnataka is committed to fostering success and leading the way forward.
● To all the global investors gathered here, I say this – the time to invest in Karnataka is now. Partner with us, innovate with us, and grow with us. Let us script a new chapter of success and prosperity.
● I look forward to welcoming you to Karnataka’s growth story, where opportunities are limitless, and the future is brighter than ever. Thank you, and I wish this Global Investors Meet great success!
