Karnataka Approves Data Centre, Marine Biotech Policies
Karnataka Approves Data Centre, Marine Biotech Policies
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Key Points
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The data-centre policy covers not only conventional data-centre units and parks but also edge data centres, cable-landing stations and related infrastructure. It also provides for sustainable data-centre zones, dedicated parks and a Centre of Excellence for data centres.
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Implementation responsibilities are divided among state agencies: the IT/BT department will oversee the policy, the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society will manage registration and implementation, and Karnataka Udyoga Mitra will act as the single-window agency for investors.
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Karnataka’s marine-biotechnology strategy is supported by a 343.3-kilometre coastline, established marine-science and fisheries institutions, and a growing biotechnology ecosystem. The policy seeks to move the coastal economy beyond traditional activities toward high-value marine enterprises.
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The marine-biotechnology policy includes a marine bioinnovation and startup incubation centre, intended to help entrepreneurs convert marine research into commercial products and companies.
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Priyank Kharge said Karnataka’s objective is to develop “products, technologies, companies and intellectual property around marine resources” and help startups and industry take innovations from laboratories to the market.
Karnataka has approved two major five-year policies designed to diversify the state's economy beyond Bengaluru. A ₹1,300.45 crore data center policy targets 1 GW of capacity and 10–12% of India's AI-ready data center market by 2031, while a marine biotechnology policy aims to grow the state's blue bioeconomy from $2 billion to $6–8 billion in the same period. The Print reported that both policies were cleared by the state cabinet.
The data center policy prioritizes sustainable infrastructure in regional corridors like Mangaluru, offering incentives for renewable energy, water management, and cooling efficiency. The marine biotech policy seeks to transform Karnataka's 343-kilometer coastline into a hub for seaweed products, marine biomaterials, and sustainable aquaculture, moving the coastal economy beyond traditional fishing.
Data Center Push Targets AI Infrastructure Growth
Karnataka's data center policy covers conventional facilities, edge data centers, cable-landing stations, and dedicated parks, plus a Centre of Excellence for research. The420.in noted the ₹1,300.45 crore framework aims to position the state as a hub for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The policy includes efficiency-linked incentives to attract environmentally conscious global tech firms seeking sustainable operations.
Three state agencies will manage implementation: the IT/BT department oversees policy, the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society handles registration, and Karnataka Udyoga Mitra serves as a single-window investor agency. The policy identifies regional corridors beyond Bengaluru as growth centers, with coastal connectivity and submarine cable infrastructure supporting Mangaluru as a secondary hub.
Blue Bioeconomy Strategy Targets Coastal Resource Innovation
The marine biotechnology policy proposes ₹120 crore in funding to transform Karnataka's coastal economy. The Hans India reported the five-year roadmap aims to grow the blue bioeconomy from $2 billion to $6–8 billion by 2031 through seaweed products, marine biomaterials, sustainable aquaculture, and biomanufacturing. The policy emphasizes sustainable resource use while unlocking high-value commercial opportunities.
The initiative includes establishing the Karnataka Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy, marine biotechnology zones, a seaweed value-addition incentive program, and a blue-carbon certification scheme. A marine bioinnovation and startup incubation center will help entrepreneurs convert research into commercial products. State official Priyank Kharge said the goal is to develop "products, technologies, companies and intellectual property around marine resources."
Leveraging Coastal Assets and Existing Research Ecosystem
Karnataka's marine biotech strategy builds on established marine-science and fisheries institutions and the state's growing biotechnology sector. The 343-kilometer coastline provides natural advantages for seaweed cultivation, marine biomaterial extraction, and sustainable fishing innovation. Deccan Chronicle noted the policy aims to move the coastal economy beyond traditional activities toward high-value enterprises.
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