“The Karnataka Budget presented on 6th March 2026 sends a strong and reassuring signal to the global electronics and semiconductor industry. Karnataka’s emergence as one of the most attractive destinations for ESDM and semiconductor investments is now backed by a clear policy vision and long-term commitment to technology leadership. The expectation of nearly ₹45,000 crore in investments from companies in the semiconductor and ESDM sector reflects the deep confidence that leading global technology players have placed in Karnataka’s ecosystem, Commented Ashok Chandak, president : IESA.
Equally significant is the state’s forward-looking investment in frontier technologies and talent development. Initiatives such as the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone (BRAINz) under IISc in collaboration with ISRO and KEONICS, the establishment of multiple AI Centres of Excellence in partnership with IBAB, C-CAMP and NASSCOM, and the Karnataka Quantum Technology Roadmap demonstrate a strategic focus on building capabilities that will power the next generation of semiconductor and advanced electronics innovation.
The ₹1,000 crore Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP), the Super-100 Industry-Academia Adoption Programme with KDEM, and initiatives such as K-Combinator further strengthen the startup and innovation pipeline that will feed into the electronics and semiconductor value chain. Combined with the ambitious target of ₹11.5 lakh crore in software exports under the new IT Policy 2025-30 and the continued expansion of Global Capability Centres, Karnataka is reinforcing its position as India’s premier deep–tech and electronics innovation hub.
IESA believes these initiatives will catalyse the growth of a robust semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem encompassing design, components, systems, equipment and supply chain partners. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Karnataka to translate these policy commitments into investment pipelines, industry clusters, skilling programmes and innovation platforms that will position Karnataka—and India—at the centre of the global semiconductor and electronics value chain.” Mr. Chandak Added.
