Stakeholders Cite IT Expansion In Response To Kharge’s Comments
Mangaluru : Coastal Karnataka is fast emerging as a major growth hub outside Bengaluru, with over 40 new IT firms and over 8,000 new jobs in the last two years, representatives of entrepreneurs, industry groups and civic bodies in the region said in a joint statement issued on Thursday.
The statement comes a few days after IT Minister Priyank Kharge expressed concern over social ills in Dakshina Kannada marring growth and investments of companies.
“In the last two years, more than 40 new IT companies have operated in Coastal Karnataka and more than 8,000 new IT jobs have been added to the region. Today, the technology ecosystem consists of more than 400 startups, more than 250 technology companies and more than 25,000 professionals, reflecting the continued confidence of investors. During this period, three indigenous technology companies were acquired in the region with a total investment of USD 250 million. Each acquirer has committed to further expansion in the region, the statement said. It was stated that a strong long-term confidence signal was given in our talent and infrastructure.
“Recent comments and chatter on social media have cast doubt on the security and harmony of Mangaluru and Coastal Karnataka. As representatives of entrepreneurs, industry groups and civic organizations in the region, we present facts that show the contrary and reaffirm our confidence in the progress and inclusive spirit of the region. Stakeholders here have come together over the last few years to form a united front and nurture a fundamentally sound ecosystem that is now popularly referred to as the Silicon Beach of India.” statement added.
They also highlighted Mangaluru’s role as a national education hub, home to leading engineering, medical and arts colleges that attract students from across the country. They said this was evidence of long-standing social harmony. Global studies rate Mangaluru as extremely safe and it was India’s only city in the top 50 in the Numbeo Safety Index 2026.
Stakeholders noted the successful hosting of TiECon Mangaluru 2026, which was attended by over 700 delegates from India and abroad. Respondents said they see the city as a credible ‘Beyond-Bengaluru’ destination and a potential second growth engine for Karnataka.
On the investment front, Italian green tech giant MIR Group is set to invest Rs 21,500 billion to set up a sustainable manufacturing unit in Mangaluru Special Economic Zone. The groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the sustainability summit to be held on February 20 and 21, and more than 10 Italian companies are expected to attend to explore long-term partnerships.
The statement also stated that ambassadors, consuls general and trade commissioners from Spain, France, Denmark, Israel and the United Kingdom visited the city last year to explore cooperation in technology, education and trade, reflecting increasing international confidence in the region’s stability and investment environment.
Calling for balanced regional development, stakeholders said continuing infrastructure investments such as technology parks, data centers and industrial parks will benefit the entire state.
The joint statement was issued by CII-Mangaluru president Natraj Hegde, Silicon Beach Program organizer Rohith Bhat, CKTDC secretary Gaurav Hegde, CREDAI Mangaluru president Vinod AR Pinto, TiE Mangaluru vice president Shyamprasad Hebbar and Young Indians Mangaluru chapter president Sharan Shetty.
