KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Karnataka targets 35 large companies, 5 ESDM firms, 10 GCCs, and 100 startups in HDB by 2026.
• Rs 25 crore Cluster Seed Fund to support tech growth.
• Infrastructure development in Belagavi and electronics manufacturing clusters.
• Collaboration between industry, academia, and government to foster innovation.
• HDB cluster supports 30,000 tech jobs and contributes Rs 2.79 lakh crore to Karnataka's GDP.

Introduction

Karnataka's technology sector is traditionally centered in Bengaluru, but the state is now looking beyond its capital to foster new growth. The Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi (HDB) corridor is emerging as a key part of Karnataka's Beyond Bengaluru strategy.

HDB Corridor: A New Tech Hub

The HDB corridor brings together three cities with distinct advantages: Hubballi has a growing technology and entrepreneurial base, Dharwad has strong academic and research institutions, while Belagavi has an established base in aerospace, precision engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Government Initiatives

Karnataka Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and E-Governance Priyank Kharge emphasized the industrial base and capabilities needed to play a larger role in the state’s growth. The government is backing the ambition with a Rs 25 crore Cluster Seed Fund, new infrastructure in Belagavi, electronics manufacturing investments, and programs connecting industry with academic institutions.

Industrial and Academic Collaboration

Kharge highlighted that bringing these strengths together could create a stronger ecosystem for innovation, investment, and enterprise. The approach also forms part of the state’s broader effort to create opportunities closer to where talent, institutions, and industry are already present.

Economic Impact

The HDB Techceleration 2026 event brought together more than 700 delegates, over 100 startups, and more than 25 investors, alongside industry, government, academia, and technology stakeholders. According to KDEM, the wider HDB cluster has 850 DPIIT-recognized startups and supports approximately 30,000 tech and tech-enabled jobs. The cluster has an estimated economy of Rs 2.79 lakh crore, accounting for around 11% of Karnataka’s GDP.

Future Prospects

The region is also developing manufacturing infrastructure. Around 2 lakh sq ft of GPC infrastructure is targeted for development in Belagavi within the next six months, while 224.5 acres have been secured for an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Kotur-Belur. Aequs is also developing an approximately 400-acre electronics cluster in Dharwad.

FAQ

**Q: What is the HDB corridor's role in Karnataka's tech growth? A: The HDB corridor is part of Karnataka's Beyond Bengaluru strategy to distribute technology-led growth across the state.

**Q: What initiatives is the government supporting in the HDB corridor? A: The government is supporting the HDB corridor with a Rs 25 crore Cluster Seed Fund, new infrastructure, electronics manufacturing investments, and programs connecting industry with academic institutions.

**Q: What is the economic impact of the HDB cluster? A: The HDB cluster supports approximately 30,000 tech jobs and contributes Rs 2.79 lakh crore to Karnataka's GDP.

Conclusion

Karnataka is betting that the HDB corridor can become one of North Karnataka’s strongest engines of technology-led growth. With continued participation from industry, academia, and government, the HDB corridor is poised to attract new companies, investments, and jobs.

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