NTT DATA is exploring an expansion of its operations in Karnataka, particularly in Mangaluru and Udupi, after discussions with state IT Minister Priyank Kharge on strengthening the company’s presence in the coastal region and collaborating on digital infrastructure.
The discussions took place on Monday between Kharge and senior NTT DATA executives, according to a statement from the minister’s office. The company, which recently acquired Karnataka-based Niveus Solutions and WinWire, said the availability of skilled talent was a key advantage for expanding its operations in the state.
The meeting focused on the Karnataka government’s Beyond Bengaluru programme, which aims to build technology ecosystems outside the state capital through investments in skilling, infrastructure and policy support. Kharge said the government wanted to take investment and employment opportunities closer to emerging talent centres across Karnataka.
“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 discussions also covered Karnataka’s Sustainable Data Centre Policy and possible collaboration with NTT DATA in data centres, cloud services and digital infrastructure. The company’s expertise in these areas was discussed in relation to the state’s plans to expand its digital infrastructure beyond Bengaluru.
Officials also raised the proposed Mangaluru cable landing station, which is intended to strengthen the coastal region’s role in digital connectivity. The minister discussed how NTT DATA’s capabilities could contribute to the project, although the statement did not provide details on the proposed scale, investment or implementation timeline.
Kharge encouraged the company to consider expanding beyond cloud services into biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences and automotive manufacturing. The sectors were presented as areas that align with NTT DATA’s growing focus and Karnataka’s existing industrial and research ecosystem.
The meeting also examined potential collaboration in startup incubation and innovation. Kharge highlighted the recently launched Government First programme, which allows startups to pilot innovative solutions with government departments, and invited NTT DATA to support the state’s startup ecosystem.
The discussions place Mangaluru and Udupi within Karnataka’s broader effort to distribute technology investment beyond Bengaluru. However, the minister’s office statement did not announce a final investment commitment, project value, number of jobs or confirmed facility locations. Further details would depend on the company’s expansion plans and subsequent collaboration with the state government.
