KDEM envisages $10 billion digital economy in Mysuru by 2030

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) aims to develop Mysuru into a $10 billion digital economy by 2030, generating over 1,50,000 digital jobs, nurturing 2,500 innovation-led startups, and position Mysuru as a nationally leading emerging innovation cluster.

The focus remains on attracting global investments, developing deep-tech capabilities, and creating a sustainable and inclusive tech ecosystem, KDEM said in a Mysuru Cluster Vision Document 2025, released at the 5th Mysuru Big Tech Show 2025 held at Infosys Mysuru Campus last week. 

Mysuru stands at the forefront of Karnataka’s Beyond Bengaluru initiative, evolving into a Tier-2 technology and innovation hub with strategic focus on IT/ITeS, electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM), global capability centres (GCCs), and startups, KDEM said in a vision document released last week.

This vision document was initiated to clearly articulate the growth path for the Mysuru digital cluster, aligning it with Karnataka’s Beyond Bengaluru strategy. The effort began with a thorough assessment of the existing ecosystem, which revealed strong foundational elements, but also the need for coordinated development to unlock the city's full potential. KDEM, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T and local stakeholders, launched a structured visioning exercise.

“Mysuru is fast emerging as the driving force to achieve this ambitious goal and become the flagbearer amongst the emerging clusters under the Beyond Bengaluru initiative. We are aiming to touch digital revenues of Rs 10,000 crore from Mysuru alone by 2030 with at least 150,000 new employment opportunities,” said Priyank Kharge, Minister of Electronics, IT/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka.

The government’s support includes infrastructure enhancement, improved digital connectivity, and skilling through the Local Economy Acceleration Program (LEAP). KDEM acts as a key enabler, bridging the gap between industry and policy.

Mysuru is ranked as Karnataka’s second-largest software exporter and holds the fourth spot in Deloitte’s list of 36 emerging tech hubs. Its journey began in the early 2000s with KIADB and NASSCOM-driven development, establishing the city as a viable alternative to Bengaluru with a strong presence in ITE and ESDM sectors.

What sets Mysuru apart is its integrated ecosystem. world-class infrastructure, SEZs, tech parks, and incubation centres support the industry, while top academic institutions like the University of Mysore and NIE fuel talent development. Excellent road, rail, and air connectivity further add to the city’s appeal.

The state’s ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ mission—executed by KDEM—aims to foster equitable tech growth across Karnataka. It focuses on six emerging clusters: Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, and the upcoming clusters in Shivamogga, Kalaburagi, and Tumakuru.

KDEM’s Vision 2030 outlines an ambitious 10X workforce expansion and aims to position Mysuru as Karnataka’s second Silicon Valley. The plan is anchored on eight pillars: IT/ITeS, ESDM, GCCs, Startups & Innovation, Talent Development, Branding, Governance, and Infrastructure.

Over the last 12 months, Mysuru has elicited strong interest from the industry to set up operations in the cluster. The continued efforts of KDEM have resulted in more than 15 companies setting up offices, leading to fresh employment of over 750 jobs. Aligned with its long-term vision, Mysuru is positioned as an advanced national innovation hub, intended to serve as a sustained contributor to India’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030. In doing so, it aims to become a replicable model for other emerging clusters both within India and internationally.

Over the next six years, KDEM aims to bring in 28 large IT companies, 12 ESDM units, 12 GCCs, and over 2,800 start-ups, creating up to 1,65,000 jobs. With estimated annual revenue per employee ranging from Rs 8–12 lakh, Mysuru is well on its way to becoming a cornerstone of India’s digital economy.

Sanjeev Gumar Gupta, CEO, KDEM said, “Mysuru is fast emerging as the preferred spoke in the state’s “spoke-shore” delivery model. This has been possible owing to several structural advantages the cluster has to offer where KDEM continues to play a pivotal role.”

One of the key milestones is the Global Technology Centre (GTC) that will house 10,000 seats across 0.5 millions sq ft and is aimed at attracting IT/ITES and emerging tech firms to the region. The 235.5 acre Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) at Kochanahalli is on track to host semiconductors, OSAT, ATMP and Embedded Systems units, he said.

Phase 2 of the EMC will focus on component manufacturing. Additionally, a 150-acre PCB Park to host copper, laminate and passive component manufacturers – critical to closing the loop on Mysuru’s ESDM value chain - has also been approved, Gupta added.”

Cut-off box - Projected Outcomes by 2030
The vision document sets the following measurable goals to be achieved by 2030:
1.5 lakh digital jobs across IT ESDM GCCs and startups
25+ Large and Medium IT companies 10+ ESDM setups and 12+ GCCs operational in Mysuru
2800+ startups supported
50000+ professionals trained via KDEM Skill Centre with a 90% placement rate
SEZ at Kochanahalli Airport Phase I and Global Technology Centre to be fully functional
Rs 500+ crore in private investments
90+ Lefers of Intent secured from global outreach efforts
These outcomes are mapped across 8 focus verticals: IT/ITeS ESDM GCCs Startups Talent Development Branding Governance and Infrastructure.