From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Belagavi, Dec 16: The State Government will formulate a policy for preferential public procurement system to support Start-Ups, according to IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge.
Addressing the gathering at the Techceleration 2023 in Belagavi, the minister said the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) hosted the 3rd edition of Techceleration, a flagship event spotlighting Karnataka's thriving IT, ESDM, and S&T sectors in the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi (HDB) cluster.
The event aimed to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, exchange ideas, and contribute to the vibrant tech ecosystem in Karnataka.
The HBD Cluster has achieved remarkable progress, with the emergence of 16 new companies and the expansion of four existing ones. Furthermore, 40 additional companies have expressed their commitment to establishing cluster industries, showcasing a robust growth trajectory.
A new manufacturing unit has been inaugurated, generating employment opportunities for 3,000 individuals.
The entrepreneurial landscape has also flourished with the launch of 150 startups, backed by a substantial capital investment of Rs. 25 Crore. The collective initiatives underscore the dynamic and thriving business ecosystem within the HBD Cluster, he said.
Kharge said: “Along with our sector-specific Ease of Doing Business initiatives, we are trying to develop a Preferential Public Procurement Policy that ensures government support for startups with unique intellectual property registered with our startup cell and if invested and engaged in Beyond Bengaluru'initiative of Government of Karnataka, then the government will its first customer.’’
"A government policy that ensures that your products, services with Unique IP can be procured by the government,’’ he said.
The minister said the government understands the journey of entrepreneurs, and the Government is here to listen, learn, and adapt to meet the needs of our dynamic startup community.
“In this regard, the deadline for submission of application will be extended till January 5, 2024. Through this policy, our government is committed to support startups” he reiterated.
“We understand that in America, there's a requirement for one million chip designers in next 5 years, and we think in India, Karnataka has the potential to address this challenge. Our Human resource is highly agile. We are focusing on creating a conducive environment for businesses 'Beyond Bengaluru Initiatives,' offering more subsidies, policies, and investments. It is a very important initiative that the government is doing through KDEM,” he explained.
Ekroop Caur, Additional Chief Secretary, Dept of IT & BT, said Beyond Bengaluru, envisions a new era of growth, propelling IT & BT dominance into untapped regions. The strategic development in Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi Cluster signifies the robust policies of our government for sustainable development and progress. More clusters are poised to emerge as tech epicenters.
Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, KDEM, said Belagavi holds immense potential for achieving equitable and sustainable growth. The city's trajectory is truly promising. More than 30 visionary speakers, policy influencers, more than 50 innovative startups, and a vibrant community of over 300 decision-makers and CXOs participated making the event a grand success.