Karnataka’s Beyond Bengaluru programme received a fresh industry push after IT Minister Priyank Kharge held discussions with NTT DATA executives on expanding the company’s operations in the state, particularly in Mangaluru and Udupi. The talks covered technology investments, digital infrastructure, data centres, startup collaboration and the company’s wider presence in emerging regional clusters.
NTT DATA, which recently acquired Karnataka-based Niveus Solutions and WinWire, shared plans to strengthen its operations in Karnataka, with a particular focus on the coastal region, the minister’s office said in a statement. The company identified the availability of skilled talent as a key advantage supporting its expansion plans.
The discussions form part of the state government’s effort to move technology-led investment beyond Bengaluru. Kharge said the government was building regional technology ecosystems through investments in skilling, infrastructure and policy support under the Beyond Bengaluru programme.
“Our focus is on taking investments and opportunities to where the talent is and we want to work closely with industry to co-create solutions that accelerate growth across Karnataka’s emerging technology clusters,” Kharge said, according to the statement.
The meeting also covered Karnataka’s Sustainable Data Centre Policy and possible areas of collaboration with NTT DATA. The company’s capabilities in data centres, cloud services and digital infrastructure were discussed in relation to the state’s plans to expand digital infrastructure outside the capital region.
Officials also discussed the proposed Mangaluru cable landing station, which the minister’s office identified as an important part of Karnataka’s planned digital infrastructure. The statement did not provide a construction timeline, investment figure or implementation details for the proposed facility.
Kharge encouraged NTT DATA to examine opportunities beyond cloud services in sectors including biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences and automotive manufacturing. The discussions were linked to the company’s growing focus in these areas and Karnataka’s existing industrial and research ecosystem, the minister’s office said.
The talks also included startup incubation and innovation. Kharge highlighted the recently launched Government First programme, which enables startups to pilot innovative solutions with government departments, and invited NTT DATA to participate in supporting Karnataka’s startup ecosystem.
The proposed expansion comes as the state seeks to distribute technology employment and investment across multiple urban centres. Mangaluru and Udupi are the immediate coastal locations identified in the discussions, while the government’s broader programme aims to build regional ecosystems by combining talent development, infrastructure and policy support.
The minister’s office did not disclose the number of jobs, investment commitments, new facilities or project milestones associated with NTT DATA’s plans. Further details would be required to assess the scale and timing of the company’s expansion in coastal Karnataka.
