Media Release

Mangaluru, April 23: Mangaluru, traditionally known for its thriving ports and petrochemical industry, is now emerging as the next big hub for India’s IT and tech industry. A transformative shift is underway, as the city aims to position itself as the country’s Silicon Beach—a new epicenter of innovation, technology, and growth.

The city’s aspirations will take centre stage at ‘Techwaves 2025: Rise of the Silicon Beach of India’, a landmark event presented by Vertex Workspace on Friday, April 25, at Vertex Five in Kadri, Mangaluru. This gathering of industry leaders, tech pioneers and policymakers will spotlight Mangaluru’s rapid growth and its potential to become a major player in the global tech arena.

With an agenda featuring insightful panel discussions, recognition of achievers and networking opportunities, the event aims to draw attention to the city’s technological transformation.

A gathering that signals change

This pivotal event in Mangaluru’s journey toward becoming a tech powerhouse will feature prominent speakers such as U T Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Captain Brijesh Chowta, member of Parliament for Dakshina Kannada and Sharath Kumar Bacche Gowda, MLA and chairman of KEONICS, who will offer valuable insights into the
city’s evolving tech ecosystem.

Industry leaders from companies like EG India, CodeCraft Technologies, OmneNEST Technologies, and Novigo Solutions will also be taking part, reflecting the region’s growing strength in attracting top-tier businesses and startups.

Panels that highlight key topics

The upcoming Techwaves 2025 event will feature four high-impact panel discussions, each focusing on a critical area shaping Mangaluru’s transformation into a prominent technology hub. The sessions will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and policy experts to explore the city's expanding role in digital innovation and global competitiveness.

1. The Rise of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and their role in Mangaluru:
   This panel will examine how Mangaluru is emerging as a significant player in the global GCC ecosystem, a sector expected to drive job creation and innovation. The discussion will highlight the city’s evolving contribution to international service delivery and strategic operations.

2. The rise of Deep Tech in Mangaluru:
   With its strong foundation in engineering and a burgeoning startup ecosystem, Mangaluru is making notable progress in deep tech sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital health. This panel will explore how the city is fast becoming a nucleus for cutting-edge technological innovation.

3. Mangaluru’s dominance in the IT services industry:
   This session will delve into the reasons why Mangaluru continues to attract both established IT giants and emerging startups. With its skilled talent pool, high quality of life, and operational efficiency, the city is rapidly establishing itself as a strategic destination for IT services.

4. The importance of world-class workspaces in Mangaluru’s growth:
   Focusing on modern, managed workspaces, this panel will spotlight how infrastructure readiness is playing a crucial role in supporting tech professionals and fostering sustained growth. It will also look at how workspace quality impacts talent retention and business scalability.

Felicitations

The event will also recognize emerging tech leaders, including Koki Kato (Kobayashi Create India), Takashi Miyasaka (NIDEC Advanced Technology), Jagath Biddappa and Navajith Karkera (Sonic Lamb), and UnifyCX, all of whom are contributing to Mangaluru’s growing reputation as a global innovation hub.

The Numbers behind Mangaluru’s tech boom

Mangaluru’s growth as a tech powerhouse is supported by impressive data. The city currently boasts around 20,000 IT jobs, with plans to increase that number to 2 lac by 2033 — a tenfold rise expected to significantly boost the local economy.

Karnataka’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) is estimated to reach Rs. 28.83 lac crore (approx. $331 billion), with Mangaluru contributing 5.5%, making it the second-largest contributor after Bengaluru. The city’s IT sector alone generates over Rs. 3,000 crore annually, and its share of Karnataka’s IT/BPO exports is expected to rise from 1.5% to 5% in the coming years.

With over 10,000 engineers and more than 20,000 STEM graduates emerging annually from over 150 degree colleges and 25 engineering institutions, and supported by 15+ incubation centres nurturing 125+ startups, Mangaluru has a solid foundation for growth.

Furthermore, Mangaluru’s operational costs are 20% lower than major metro cities, and its attrition rate is a mere 5%, compared to 18-25% in larger urban centers, making it an attractive destination for tech companies.

The GCC revolution: Mangaluru’s strategic advantage

The rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is a key element of Mangaluru’s tech growth. GCCs are specialised offices set up by multinational companies to provide services like IT, customer support, and research and development. These centers help companies reduce costs and tap into local talent. Mangaluru’s strategic location, cost-effective environment and skilled workforce have attracted major international players such as NIDEC advanced technology and Bose Professional. With Karnataka’s new GCC policy aiming to establish 500 new GCCs by 2029, Mangaluru is positioned to be a prime location for future expansion.

Vertex Workspace: The driving force behind Mangaluru’s tech boom

Vertex Workspace has played a pioneering role in Mangaluru’s tech growth by providing high-quality, flexible managed workspaces for tech companies. With over 1,900 professionals and 35+ companies — 60% of which are IT firms — Vertex has been crucial in supporting the region’s startup ecosystem. The upcoming Ashoka Business Centre at Bejai,
designed to accommodate more than 2,250 professionals, is a testament to the growing demand for world-class workspaces.

Strategic partnerships and supportive ecosystem

Techwaves 2025 highlights key partnerships driving Mangaluru’s tech revolution. Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and the ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative are instrumental in attracting investment, nurturing talent and fostering entrepreneurship in the region.

Mangaluru: The tech destination of the future

As Techwaves 2025 showcases, Mangaluru is rapidly becoming the Silicon Beach of India. With a unique blend of coastal charm, modern infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce, the city is attracting both domestic and international businesses. This marks the beginning of a new era for the city, with Vertex Workspace playing an integral role in its evolution.

For more information on Techwaves 2025, visit www.vertexworkspace.com