NTT DATA explores expansion in Mangaluru and Udupi, Karnataka

Expansion plans for coastal Karnataka

According to YourStory, NTT DATA is exploring opportunities to expand its operations in Mangaluru and Udupi, two coastal cities in Karnataka. The discussions took place during a meeting with Karnataka’s IT, Biotechnology, and Rural Development Minister, Priyank Kharge, on November 2, 2026.

The company’s interest in these locations aligns with Karnataka’s Beyond Bengaluru programme, which aims to distribute technology investments and infrastructure across the state. Mangaluru and Udupi are emerging as potential hubs for digital infrastructure, cloud services, and data centres.

Focus on data centres and digital infrastructure

The meeting with Kharge included discussions on Karnataka’s Sustainable Data Centre Policy, which seeks to attract investments in data centre infrastructure. NTT DATA was encouraged to collaborate on the state’s digital infrastructure projects, including a planned cable landing station in Mangaluru.

NTT DATA’s recent acquisitions of Karnataka-based firms Niveus Solutions and WinWire may strengthen its ability to execute these plans, as both companies have expertise in cloud services and digital transformation.

Sectoral opportunities beyond technology

While cloud services and data centres were central to the discussions, Kharge also urged NTT DATA to explore opportunities in biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences, and automotive manufacturing. These sectors are priorities for Karnataka’s economic growth strategy, particularly in regions outside Bengaluru.

The minister highlighted the potential for NTT DATA to contribute to innovation and incubation in these industries, which could create synergies with local startups and research institutions.

Collaboration with startups and government programmes

NTT DATA was invited to partner with Karnataka’s Government First programme, an initiative that allows startups to pilot solutions with public sector departments. This partnership could provide startups in Mangaluru and Udupi with access to mentorship, funding, and real-world use cases.

The discussions also touched on NTT DATA’s role in supporting the state’s startup ecosystem, particularly in emerging technology clusters. The company’s global expertise in cloud and AI could accelerate the development of local startups in these regions.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

NTT DATA’s interest in Mangaluru and Udupi signals a broader push by global technology firms to diversify their operations beyond India’s established hubs. For founders and operators, this expansion could mean new infrastructure, funding, and partnership opportunities in Karnataka’s emerging tech clusters. The focus on sectors like biotechnology, healthcare, and automotive manufacturing—alongside cloud and data centres—suggests NTT DATA aims to deepen its engagement with both enterprise and public sector projects. Startups in these sectors may find new avenues for collaboration, particularly through programmes like Government First, which offers a pathway to pilot solutions with state departments. The discussions also underscore Karnataka’s efforts to position itself as a multi-city technology hub, which could reduce pressure on Bengaluru while creating incentives for companies to invest in secondary cities.

Key takeaways

• Mangaluru and Udupi are becoming focal points for technology investments, offering startups and enterprises alternatives to Bengaluru for infrastructure and talent.
• Karnataka’s Beyond Bengaluru and Sustainable Data Centre Policy could accelerate digital infrastructure development in coastal and tier-2 cities.
• NTT DATA’s expansion may open doors for local startups in biotechnology, healthcare, and automotive manufacturing to partner with a global technology provider.
• The Government First programme provides a structured way for startups to test and scale solutions with public sector backing.

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