Karnataka CM Urges Czech Companies to Expand Investments Beyond Bengaluru

Shivakumar made the appeal during a meeting with a Czech delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlicek at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

“Karnataka will be a long-term partner of the Czech Republic. Czech companies should not limit their investments to Bengaluru but explore opportunities across various districts of Karnataka,” he said.

Highlighting the state’s economic strengths, Shivakumar pointed to opportunities in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and floriculture. He also identified the energy sector as a promising area for investment, citing Karnataka’s large solar power plants, established hydropower facilities and substantial energy requirements.

The Chief Minister invited Czech firms to explore partnerships in automobile components, electric vehicles (EVs), next-generation mobility, testing facilities and specialised manufacturing. He also noted the Czech delegation’s interest in the aerospace sector, saying cooperation in the field could open up further avenues for investment.

Shivakumar said the state government was facilitating investments through initiatives and agencies such as Invest Karnataka, Karnataka Udyog Mitra, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and its single-window clearance system. These mechanisms help prospective investors identify suitable locations, navigate approvals and coordinate with government departments.

“Attracting investments that bring technology, strengthen local industry, create quality employment and support exports is our priority,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of CzechTrade, the Czech Business Incubator in Bengaluru and Czech industrial clusters in connecting businesses, identifying local partners and helping companies assess opportunities in Karnataka.

Describing Bengaluru as a major Indian hub for technology, research and entrepreneurship, Shivakumar said the city’s engineering talent, industrial base and startup ecosystem offered an attractive platform for Czech businesses seeking to expand in India.

He noted that the Czech Republic’s expertise in precision engineering, machinery, automobile components, industrial equipment, transport technologies and applied research complemented Karnataka’s strengths in manufacturing, aerospace, electronics and technology.

The Chief Minister also called for greater cooperation in education, skill development and research. He said partnerships between Czech technical universities and research institutions and their counterparts in Karnataka could promote applied research, develop specialised skills and help commercialise emerging technologies.

Shivakumar further referred to the India-Czech Republic Strategic Partnership on Innovation, agreed upon in January 2024, as a framework for strengthening collaboration in research, emerging technologies, industrial innovation and startup linkages.