Karnataka seeks deeper US partnerships in innovation, skilling as Shivakumar unveils Quantum City plan

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday pitched for stronger collaboration with the US in innovation, skilling and research, while outlining the state's plans to build India's first Quantum City at Hesaraghatta to strengthen its emerging quantum technology ecosystem.

Speaking at the inauguration of the QUANTUM exhibition at Science Gallery Bengaluru in the presence of US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Shivakumar said Karnataka's long-standing ties with the US had played a key role in shaping Bengaluru into one of the world's leading technology hubs.

The CM said Bengaluru is home to more than 1,000 US companies, around 80,000 American citizens, over 10,000 startups and a technology workforce exceeding one million, underlining the depth of economic and innovation linkages between Karnataka and the US.


The state is building India's first Quantum City at Hesaraghatta as an integrated ecosystem for research laboratories, startups and industry to accelerate quantum technology development, he said. The initiative is part of Karnataka's broader push to establish itself as a global hub for deep-tech research and advanced manufacturing.

Shivakumar said the growth of the quantum ecosystem would require sustained collaboration among governments, universities, scientists, investors, startups and established industries. Bengaluru already has a strong foundation through the Karnataka Quantum Mission, which has attracted startups and global technology companies working in the sector, he added.

The CM also highlighted the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Quantum Artificial Intelligence and Computing at IIIT Dharwad under the state's Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP), describing it as the first such facility outside Bengaluru.

He said quantum science would reshape computing, communications, healthcare and advanced manufacturing in the coming years, making it essential to prepare young people with the required skills and research opportunities.

Seeking greater engagement with the US, Shivakumar urged Ambassador Gor to support partnerships between Karnataka and leading American universities, research institutions and innovation hubs.

"Karnataka is building a network of Educational, Skill and Innovation Corridors with leading ecosystems across the US. Our objective is to connect classrooms to laboratories, laboratories to startups, and startups to global markets," he said.

The state plans to promote joint research, curriculum development and industry-linked learning programmes with US universities while forging partnerships with centres of excellence, incubators, accelerators and research parks in innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin and Pittsburgh.

Such collaborations, he said, would provide Karnataka's startups access to global mentorship, research infrastructure, venture capital and international markets while enabling American innovators to leverage the state's talent pool and manufacturing capabilities.

Shivakumar also lauded Science Gallery Bengaluru for promoting public engagement with science and congratulated Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Science Gallery Bengaluru Founding Director Dr Jahnavi Phalkey and the institution's partners for establishing the gallery and the QUANTUM exhibition.

IT & BT and Home Minister Priyank Kharge, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Science Gallery founding director Dr Jahnavi Phalkey and other dignitaries were present.