Bengaluru Tech Summit: Karnataka launches GCC policy, to create 6k jobs

The Karnataka government on Tuesday launched its GCC policy, being the only state in India to do so. Following its draft in September, the GCC Policy 2024-2029 will aim to solidify the state as a premier destination for innovation and technological excellence. The policy targets the establishment of 500 new GCCs by 2029, creating 3.5 lakh jobs and generating $50 billion in economic output.

The report launched at Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) mentioned that 47% GCCs indicate that they would like to engage with startups for process improvement and expedited market entry.

The policy aims to generate over 5,000 jobs in Bengaluru, with an additional 1,000 jobs expected in areas beyond the city. “Companies setting up dedicated campuses in these emerging locations will also be eligible for customised incentives, assessed on a case-by-case basis, to drive investment and development in the region,” the 72 page policy read.


Earlier in a conversation with ET Minister for IT-BT Priyank Kharge had mentioned that the government will set up another vertical within the department to facilitate GCCs. The policy mentions “a dedicated group composed of influential leaders from various GCCs” that will steer the initiatives. “To capture the full spectrum of the GCC landscape, the Council will have representatives from various industries such as IT, finance, biotech, and manufacturing, ensuring that policies and strategies are comprehensive and industry-specific,” the report read.

The council will also leverage the extensive networks of its members and attract foreign investment and foster global partnerships.'GCC Immersive Hubs’ will also be developed as a public-private-partnership (PPP) model to showcase Karnataka's R&D capabilities.

“Karnataka has launched India’s first dedicated Global Capability Centres (GCC) policy, aimed at empowering and supporting these centres. Taking the policy announcement forward, I am proud to announce that we will be establishing 3 dedicated global innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Belagavi. These will be dedicated parks for GCCs to set up shop here in the state,” Siddaramaiah said during the launch.

As mentioned in the draft, the GCC policy will emphasise a “Beyond Bengaluru” initiative to promote development across tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Mysuru, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Hubballi-Dharwad. Incentives will be provided to companies setting up in these regions, facilitating the decentralisation of innovation hubs and nurturing untapped talent pools.

Key highlights from the Policy

Setting up a matchmaking platform for industry-academia collaboration.

50% reimbursement of domestic patent filing fees, upto INR 2 lakh

A dedicated platform/ an operational help desk where GCCs can share their needs/ requirements/ pain points /ask questions, etc, will be set up.

Fund for setting up of 'GCC Immersive Hubs’ to demonstrate innovation and R&D being undertaken in the State, on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode

Several tailored incentives include financial grants, tax benefits, and infrastructure support to accelerate GCC establishment in emerging clusters were also announced.