Davos 2026: K’taka pushes growth beyond Bengaluru; MB Patil says more incentives being offered toward north

DAVOS: Karnataka is pushing its next phase of industrial growth beyond Bengaluru, with over half of recent investment commitments flowing outside the state capital and 45% directed to the northern region, state industries minister MB Patil said.

"Beyond Bangalore, there are more incentives," Patil said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, underlining the state's industrialisation push beyond Bengaluru. He cited recent investments in Dharwad, Belgaum and other districts.

Karnataka secured investment commitments worth Rs 10.3 lakh crore at its Global Investors Meet in February last year, of which about 50% has been realised, Patil said. Nearly 60% of these investments are in manufacturing.


Since the summit, the state has attracted an additional Rs 1.5 lakh crore in investments.

Patil said the government is determined to ensure evenly spread growth across the state.

He highlighted the focus on urbanisation amidst the push for industrialisation. "Bengaluru is a global and growing city, and we are working to make commuting from rural areas easier."

Here's what the MB Patil says about growth in Karnatka:

The state is undertaking projects such as tunnel roads, metro expansion, suburban railways and regional rapid transit systems (RRTS) from Bengaluru to Mysore, Tumkur and Kolar to improve mobility, affordability and quality of life.

Karnataka's pitch to global investors in Davos rests on its industrial and innovation ecosystem. "We are number one in IT, biotechnology, aerospace and
defence, machine tools and electronics. Karnataka competes with the world and a lot of things are in line so that we are going to be a global leader," said Patil.

Here's what the MB Patil says about growth in Karnatka:

On the first day of WEF, the Karnataka team held 10-12 meetings with global firms, including Coca-Cola. Patil said the feedback has been "very positive" and most companies are looking to ramp up capacities in the state.

The investors know about Karnataka's new industrial policy, which offers incentives linked to sustainability, employment generation and women's participation, the minister said.