Karnataka

The state of Karnataka was formed on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act. Located in the southwestern region of India, it shares borders with Maharashtra to the north, Goa to the northwest, Kerala to the south, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, Andhra Pradesh to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the west. With a geographical area of 191,791 square kilometers and a population of approximately 6.1 crores (2011 Census), Karnataka is known for its rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and economic contributions.

Karnataka’s economy is driven by diverse sectors, including information technology, biotechnology, agriculture, and manufacturing. Bengaluru, the state capital, is globally recognized as India’s Silicon Valley, hosting major IT and startup hubs. The state is also a leader in aerospace, automotive, textiles, and biotechnology industries. Additionally, Karnataka has a strong network of MSMEs contributing to engineering, food processing, and handicrafts.

Karnataka signed the Letter of Undertaking (LoU) with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India on 22nd October 2022. It submitted its Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) on 20th September 2023 and RPC approved 12 projects worth Rs. 118.72 Cr for Karnataka.

The key projects approved are as follows:

• Cometitiveness support – Incentivizing ZED, LEAN, Incubation schemes, Leveraging existing private and public service providers for business and technical services to MSMEs, Identification of the potential pool of anchor buyers to partner with on supplier development programmes, to enhance MSME competitiveness
• Market access – Brand Karnataka, Export Promotion and facilitation
• Digitalization – TreDS Sensitization workshops for MSMEs
• Cluster level interventions - Technology clinics on latest manufacturing practices and technologies and hiring of Technical consultants/DPR preparation
• Strengthening Markets for service provision to MSMEs in the State - Residential Entrepreneurship development program and Exposure visits to renowned innovation hubs/centres
• Women - Acceleration Program for Women owned/led MSE and Karnataka Hackathon for Women Innovators
• Funding support to MSEs
• Skilling – Awareness workshops and vocational sector specific training programs
• Enterprise Facilitation Network – MSME Business Facilitation Desk
• Strengthening State Portals and integration with National Portal – KASSIA B2B Portal
• Environment and Social Management for MSME Support
• Capacity Building of key players to deliver on the MSME Agenda through Advanced Management Development Program, Executive Development Program and know your MSME Ecosystem