Karnataka has secured investment commitments totaling ₹13,070 crore following its participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos. This achievement reinforces the state’s position as a leading global investment destination. The announcement was made by M B Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries. Over five days, the state engaged in more than 45 high-level meetings and consultations. Karnataka showcased its strengths across various sectors including aerospace, food processing, data centres, digital infrastructure, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), research, and sustainable urban development.Several significant investment decisions were either reaffirmed or newly announced during the forum. The RP–Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG) plans to invest ₹10,500 crore over three years in the Vijayapura and Ballari districts. This investment is expected to significantly boost renewable energy capacity and drive development in north Karnataka.
The Carlsberg Group reiterated its commitment to establish a ₹350 crore bottling plant at Nanjangudu. Schneider Electric committed ₹1,520 crore, which includes investments in its IT operations. INOX GFL, having already invested ₹10,000 crore and commenced turbine blade manufacturing at Kushtagi, will invest an additional ₹400 crore. This new investment will focus on wind power towers and solar panel manufacturing. Belrise Industries is investing ₹300 crore to expand its Mysuru unit, a key supplier of components to TVS Motor Company.
Karnataka’s digital ambitions garnered considerable interest. Bharti Enterprises, which has already invested approximately ₹13,000 crore in the state, expressed interest in setting up a new data centre. Sify Technologies confirmed its plans to launch a data centre in Karnataka soon. Nokia showed keen interest in establishing a Global Capability Centre (GCC) and research centres within the state.
In the areas of AI, Space, Defence, and Advanced Research, Mistral AI expressed interest in setting up a phased R&D centre in Bengaluru. Philip Morris International indicated plans to manufacture smoke-free products in Karnataka. Voyager Technologies and Vast Space explored partnership opportunities with the Karnataka government.
A notable highlight was the interest shown in KWIN City (Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation City), which is being developed between Dabaspet and Doddaballapur near Bengaluru. Imperial College London plans to establish a research and development centre at KWIN City. Global cybersecurity major Cloudflare is also considering participation in this project.
Further collaborations were discussed, including discussions with the Singapore Economic Development Board to establish a ‘Singapore Park’ aimed at attracting Singapore-based companies. An MoU was signed to facilitate Swiss companies entering Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem. Natural Fibre Welding (NFW Earth) stated that it would submit a detailed expansion proposal.
Minister Patil commented on the outcomes of the WEF consultations.
“Consultations at WEF have laid a strong foundation for fresh investment inflows and accelerated projects already under implementation, helping Karnataka strengthen its competitive edge in global trade and industrial transformation.”
He also noted the positive reception from global leaders.
“He noted that global leaders praised the state’s industry-friendly policies and skilled workforce, reaffirming Karnataka’s status as a preferred global investment destination.”
Karnataka’s engagement at Davos underscores its strategy for diversified, future-ready growth. This strategy spans renewable energy, AI, space, digital infrastructure, GCCs, and advanced manufacturing. The state is also focused on pushing development beyond Bengaluru into Tier-2 cities and emerging industrial corridors. The ₹13,070 crore in investment commitments signals strong global confidence in the state’s long-term economic vision.>
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