Karnataka Reveals Plans for SWIFT City Near Bengaluru, Expanding the State's Tech and Startup Ecosystem

Karnataka’s Industries Minister, M.B. Patil, announced an ambitious plan to develop ‘SWIFT City’ in Sarjapura. This new project will act as a hub for startups, innovation, and technology-driven businesses. The state aims to make it the third major industrial hub after the successful Electronic City and ITPL in Bengaluru.

Addressing the Need for Better Workspaces

Patil highlighted the growing need for well-planned workspaces. He said, “Even though there are thousands of companies in Bengaluru, many people feel dissatisfied with the lack of properly designed workspaces. To solve this problem, we are planning to create better infrastructure in Sarjapura, including 150-ft-wide connecting roads, residential areas, schools, and other world-class facilities.”

The government has earmarked 1,000 acres of land for this project in the Sarjapura Industrial Area. Its strategic location, close to National Highways 44 and 48 and near Bengaluru’s thriving IT sector, makes it an ideal place for businesses to grow and flourish.

Support for Small and Medium Businesses

The project will provide workspaces specifically designed for small and medium-sized startups. Patil said, “We will offer flexible office spaces that businesses can lease, purchase, or share. This will allow startups to choose what works best for them without facing financial strain.”

To Sum It Up, What Will SWIFT City Offer?

• Spread across 1,000 acres, located near IT hubs with connectivity to NH 44 and NH 48.
• 8 to 10 Plug-and-Play facilities, each covering 20–25 acres.
• 150m wide connecting roads, state-of-the-art offices, co-working spaces, residential blocks, and schools.
• Land parcels ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. available for startups through lease, sale, or equity-sharing models.

Expanding Innovation Across Karnataka

Patil shared a bigger vision to make Karnataka a leader in technology and innovation across India. He said, “Bengaluru is already known as the Silicon City, but we want to take this recognition further. Our goal is to turn the entire state into the ‘Silicon State’, where technology-driven industries can thrive and contribute to economic growth.”

Patil explained, “New and creative ideas are essential to attract investors. Without these efforts, other states may get ahead of us by offering better opportunities. We need to act now to remain competitive and ensure Karnataka continues to lead the way in attracting businesses and investments.”

As part of this vision, the Minister announced that plans are in progress to develop five Mini KWIN Cities, including projects in Vijayapura and Hubballi-Dharwad, in partnership with the IT/BT department. He added that further details will be shared at the Invest Karnataka conclave in February.  These cities will focus on creating opportunities for new businesses and attracting investments to different parts of Karnataka.

Building for the Future

SWIFT City, which stands for (Startups, Workspaces, Innovation, Finance, and Technology), are planned to be special areas where startups and technology businesses can grow. They will have modern workspaces, including offices and co-working spaces, where small and medium-sized companies can easily set up and expand. These cities will also have homes, schools, and good roads, making them great places to live and work. The goal is to create a supportive environment for businesses to thrive and attract investment, helping the region become a leader in technology and innovation.

The development of SWIFT City and the Mini KWIN Cities shows the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, providing opportunities for startups, and encouraging industries to expand. Patil believes these efforts will strengthen Karnataka’s position as a top destination for businesses and technology in the country.

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