Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has announced plans to develop SWIFT City (Startups, Workspaces, Innovation, Finance, and Technology) near Sarjapur in Bengaluru. Designed as a cutting-edge industrial hub, the city will strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem and address gaps in workspace availability, further cementing Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s tech capital.
 

SWIFT City, spread across over 1,000 acres, will become Karnataka’s third major planned industrial hub after Electronic City and ITPL in Whitefield. Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil confirmed the development, stating, “SWIFT City will focus on startups, innovation, and technology, with plug-and-play infrastructure across 8-10 facilities, each spanning 20-25 acres.”
 

The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has already started preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Sarjapur Industrial Area, which will initially cover 647.69 acres. The DPR will include key components such as economic analysis, cost estimates, and layout planning.
 

The project will feature modern infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized startups, including state-of-the-art offices, co-working spaces, residential clusters, schools, and wide connecting roads. Companies will have access to spaces ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 sq ft through lease, sale, or investment-sharing models. Sarjapur’s proximity to National Highways 44 and 48, as well as Bengaluru’s IT hubs, makes it a strategic location for the SWIFT City project. Highlighting its broader vision, Patil said, “We aim to transform Karnataka into a ‘Silicon State,’ extending Bengaluru’s Silicon City recognition across the state.”
 

The city will serve as a hub for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and fintech, attracting investments and fostering innovation.
 

In addition to SWIFT City, the government is developing five Mini KWIN Cities across the state, including Vijayapura and Hubballi-Dharwad. These projects, planned in collaboration with the IT/BT department, will be unveiled at the upcoming Invest Karnataka conclave in February.
 

The announcement comes shortly after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the first phase of the KWIN City project between Dobbaspete and Doddaballapura. KWIN City focuses on sustainable economic growth and attracting global talent.
 

Minister Patil emphasised the importance of initiatives like SWIFT City to secure investments and create employment opportunities, adding, “Karnataka is committed to staying ahead by fostering economic growth and ensuring investment inflows, positioning itself as a leader in innovation and development.”
 

With SWIFT City and other planned industrial hubs, Karnataka is setting the stage for integrated industrial growth, positioning itself as a leader in innovation-driven development. The projects aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that caters to startups, fosters technological advancements, and generates employment, ensuring Karnataka remains a key destination for investors and innovators.

BI Bureau