Karnataka is expanding its technology infrastructure beyond Bengaluru, with the state government approving Global Technology Centres (GTCs) in Belagavi and Hubballi. The move comes as the state prepares to showcase its growing AI and deeptech ecosystem at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026. Announced on September 29, the two GTCs will be established under the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP), with the government aiming to give local talent, startups and technology-driven enterprises access to infrastructure closer to home. Two new centres for North Karnataka The Belagavi GTC will be set up across approximately 10,000 sq ft at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), with plug-and-play facilities. The project will cost Rs 82.80 lakh over three years, with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) as the implementing agency. The Hubballi centre will also cover around 10,000 sq ft at the Hubballi IT Park, on rent-free premises. It will involve Rs 5.80 crore in expenditure over three years, including Rs 4.90 crore in capital expenditure and Rs 90 lakh in operational expenditure. KDEM will implement the Hubballi project, while Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) will undertake the infrastructure development. Both centres will be funded through LEAP's allocation for creating incubators and accelerators. The programme has a total allocation of Rs 1,000 crore over five years, with Rs 200 crore approved for the first year and Rs 110 crore earmarked for incubators and accelerators. The 2025-26 state Budget had already announced GTCs through Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation (KEONICS) in Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi, with plug-and-play facilities. The government says the centres will strengthen links between educational institutions, startups, technology companies and industry while creating opportunities for local talent and technology enterprises. AI and robotics take centre stage at BTS 2026 The move comes as Karnataka prepares for the 29th Bengaluru Tech Summit, scheduled for November 17–19 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre under the theme ‘AI & Beyond’. A dedicated AI and Robotics Pavilion will span more than 50,000 sq ft and is expected to bring together nearly 101 robotics and drone startups. The pavilion will feature humanoid robots, quadruped racing, autonomous systems, warehouse drones, industrial AI robots and an AI Digital Twin Simulator of Bengaluru. The space will also include live demonstration zones, startup exhibits, a robotics racing arena, research displays and a pitchathon stage. The focus will be on technologies that take AI beyond software and into physical systems that can perceive, process information, navigate and act. BTS 2026 is expected to bring together more than 1,800 exhibitors, 1,000 technology startups and 25,000 delegates from India and overseas. Together, the GTCs and the summit reflect two parts of Karnataka's technology push: building infrastructure and startup ecosystems outside Bengaluru while continuing to position the state capital as a meeting point for emerging technologies and global investment.