The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) formalised a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate Karnataka’s digital economy, with a focus on district-level and cluster-based development beyond Bengaluru.
The collaboration will leverage FKCCI’s network of over 30 district chambers, alongside KDEM’s cluster-led ecosystem initiatives to drive MSME digitisation, start-up growth, investment readiness, and entrepreneurship across non-metro districts in Karnataka.
As per the MoU signed on December 24, KDEM and FKCCI would jointly focus on investment promotion and facilitation, Beyond Bengaluru ecosystem development, cluster-specific interventions, capacity building and skilling initiatives, joint research, market studies and sectoral reports, public–private partnerships, policy recommendations and stakeholder consultations.
Speaking at an event, ‘Tech-Talk: Districts to Digital Powerhouse’, at FKCCI in Bengaluru, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO, KDEM, said, “Karnataka’s digital growth must be built as a statewide system, not limited to a few centres. The partnership with FKCCI would enable KDEM to move from intent to execution by aligning policy, ecosystem development, and industry participation.
“By activating districts and emerging clusters, we aim to unlock new investments, accelerate entrepreneurship, and ensure technology-led growth takes root across Karnataka.”
According to Mr. Gupta, this collaboration unites KDEM’s digital economy mandate with FKCCI’s extensive industry network spanning enterprises, MSMEs, start-ups, and district chambers to build investment-ready ecosystems across IT/ITeS, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), startups, incubators, accelerators, skilling institutions, investors, and emerging technology domains.
Uma Reddy, President, FKCCI, said, “For industry, this MoU translates into clearer pathways to participate in Karnataka’s digital economy. Through our district chambers and member network, we will work with KDEM to connect enterprises, startups, and MSMEs to investments, skills, and innovation opportunities.’’
The emphasis is on enabling businesses on the ground, especially district and cluster ecosystems, to grow, collaborate, and scale in technology-driven sectors, she added.
N. Manjula, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, government of Karnataka, said, “By strengthening district-level ecosystems and encouraging industry participation, we are creating the foundation for inclusive innovation, employment generation, and sustained economic development beyond Bengaluru.”