Karnataka is set to play a big role in the nation's economy in the future. Out of the 54,000 startups in the country, 13,000 are in the state. The Karnataka government has taken a slew of measures to encourage the setting up of startups. Guidance and scientific support is being provided by the government, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said.
The Chief Minister in his online message on the occasion of 'National Startup Day' on Sunday said that the idea of New Karnataka for New India would be made a reality.
In accordance with the Prime Minister's wish, Startup Day has been celebrated in a meaningful manner in the state. In the coming days the state government would provide a big boost for startups, innovation, scientific thinking, and entrepreneurship, he said.
"The number of startups, which was around 500, has crossed the 54,000-mark now," Bommai said. "Karnataka is in the numero uno spot in the IT BT sector in the country. The first software company in Karnataka was started in 1980. It has seen rapid growth since then and the state has the maximum share in IT BT exports," Bommai said.
"Financial assistance is being provided through programs like Elevate 100, Elevate Unnati for setting up startups by SC-ST communities. Under the Amrit Startup programme financial help is being provided to 75 startups by the OBC and minority community members. Similarly, 25 startups from women are being provided assistance. About Rs 120 crore has been granted for 482 startups in the state, he said.
The state government is mulling to take startups to various districts of the state under its 'Beyond Bengaluru' project. A new Research and Development Policy would be unveiled to encourage setting up startups from a small garage to big scientific research and industrial units, Bommai said.
Represented image of economy.
"It has been decided to encourage scientific thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship by including them as subjects in the school syllabus. About 150 ITIs have been upgraded. It has been decided to upgrade Diploma colleges. The state government would bring an ambitious programme to lay a strong foundation in schools and colleges for scientific thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship," he said.
There are over 180 science and research institutions in various fields in Bengaluru. The government is keen to see more startups coming in agriculture, horticulture, and sericulture which generate more employment. Bommai wished for more startups coming with social responsibility towards education, health, social welfare, and women's empowerment.
"Through startups a New Karnataka would make a significant contribution for the economy of New India," he said.
