Rs 5.8cr tech hub to power Hubballi’s IT push

The space identified for a new Global Technology Centre (GTC) announced by the Karnataka govt’s ITBT department Hubballi: Karnataka govt’s ITBT department has approved a Global Technology Centre (GTC) at Hubballi’s IT Park under the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP), an initiative aimed at strengthening technology hubs beyond Bengaluru and expanding the sector’s footprint in other cities.The programme seeks to help technology companies establish and expand operations outside Bengaluru by providing plug-and-play infrastructure. The Hubballi centre, planned across around 10,000 sq ft, will come up at an estimated Rs 5.8 crore, sources said.The department described the approval as a significant step towards strengthening the region’s technology ecosystem. The facility is designed for quick occupation by companies, avoiding delays generally associated with setting up new office infrastructure. Officials said such centres are expected to support Karnataka’s broader technology growth by extending opportunities to North Karnataka and improving access to infrastructure and workspaces tailored for technology operations.The Hubballi facility will provide a base for companies looking to launch or expand operations while helping strengthen the local technology ecosystem.Sources said the project is also aimed at creating greater opportunities for local talent, startups and entrepreneurs, allowing them to build and scale ventures closer to home. By creating such infrastructure in Hubballi, the department seeks to make it easier for enterprises and emerging ventures to access facilities suited to technology operations in North Karnataka.The focus is on providing ready-to-use infrastructure to companies looking to commence or expand operations. It is also expected to give local entrepreneurs, startups and skilled professionals access to suitable technology facilities without having to move away from the region.Chetan Gundim, assistant manager at Keonics IT Park in Hubballi, said space for the GTC had already been identified and retrofitting work had begun. All retrofitting and interior works are expected to be completed by January. Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) will implement the project.Of the IT Park’s total available area of over 2.1 lakh sq ft, more than 96,489 sq ft is currently occupied by 46 companies. KRIDL is carrying out the renovation work, Gundim added.Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Download the TOI App.