As UK semiconductor, AI, industrial and clean-energy firms line up investment proposals, fresh momentum builds for Karnataka’s tech ambitions with Bengaluru emerging as a preferred expansion hub.
UK-based SCI Semiconductors is considering Bengaluru for its global capability centre (GCC), a move the Karnataka government says could accelerate domestic production of secure microprocessors for critical computer security applications.
The state Industries Minister, MB Patil, who is leading an investment mission to the UK, said the state will extend full support for the company’s proposed entry and future partnerships.
Patil recently held a series of meetings in London with senior leadership from SCI Semiconductors, Weir Group, Latos Data Centre, Samco Holdings and ARM Semiconductors to explore opportunities across electronics, renewable energy, data infrastructure and industrial technologies.
He noted that ARM already has its second-largest global office in Bengaluru. The chip design major, part of the Austin-Bengaluru-California (ABC) tech corridor, is exploring closer collaboration among its international centres and is considering opening another office in the city.
Meanwhile, Samco Holdings outlined its interest in Karnataka’s renewable energy, ethanol and battery manufacturing sectors. Latos Data Centre discussed plans to create an AI incubation hub in Bengaluru.
Patil said these proposals align with the state’s upcoming KWIN City project, which prioritises emerging technology, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. Companies were briefed on opportunities to establish data infrastructure to support renewable-energy projects and industrial development.
Weir Group, a global player in mining and industrial engineering, already runs a manufacturing facility near Bengaluru and is evaluating expansion in the state.
Patil said Karnataka’s new industrial policy offers a framework of incentives and facilitation for investors. He met with Hayden Povey, CEO of SCI Semiconductors; Jack O’Brien of Weir Group; Mike Carlin, Ram Shankar and Harinder Dhaliwal from Latos Data Centre; Sampath Kumar Mallya, Ashwin Sampathkumar and Vaidyanathan Nateshan of Samco Holdings; and Peter Stephens of ARM Semiconductors.
The minister was accompanied by senior officials, including Industries Principal Secretary Selvakumar, Industries Commissioner Gunjan Krishna and Karnataka Udyog Mitra MD Doddabasavaraju.
