Davos 2026: DK Shivakumar showcases Bengaluru as global investment hub

At Davos 2026, DK Shivakumar pitched Bengaluru as the “city of the future,” highlighting talent, infrastructure, and global investment in AI, data centres, and manufacturing

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar used the platform of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on January 21 to pitch Bengaluru as the “city of the future,” inviting global investors to tap into the state’s expanding opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Bengaluru’s Strengths Highlighted
Shivakumar emphasized that Bengaluru’s appeal lies in its deep talent pool, quality of life, and supportive policy environment. He noted that more than 500 multinational companies already operate in the city across sectors such as aerospace, IT, and healthcare. Drawing comparisons with global hubs, he pointed out that while California has around 1.3 million engineers, Bengaluru boasts nearly 2.5 million, underscoring the city’s unmatched human capital.

Infrastructure upgrades remain a priority, he said, with Bengaluru’s metro network set to expand to 153 km by next year. The city also operates 6,000 buses, including 2,500 electric vehicles, while tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities are being equipped with improved transport systems to meet demand projected through 2045.

Focus on Emerging Sectors
Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil highlighted Karnataka’s growing traction in data centres, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing. He announced that Sify Technologies will soon inaugurate a new data centre in the state, while Bharti Enterprises has expressed interest in establishing similar facilities.

Patil added that the state delegation held extensive discussions with global corporations, technology firms, and academic institutions to showcase Karnataka’s execution capabilities and investor‑friendly ecosystem. Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman Rajan Bharti Mittal confirmed the group has already invested ₹13,000 crore in Karnataka and is exploring further expansion, including land and infrastructure requirements for upcoming projects.

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Global Engagements
The delegation also engaged with French AI company Mistral AI, which is considering a phased plan to set up a Global Capability Centre or R&D facility in Bengaluru. Carlsberg Group is investing ₹350 crore in bottling capacity in Karnataka, with additional expansion under review.

Academic collaboration was another focus, with Imperial College London exploring research partnerships and R&D presence in the upcoming KWIN City. Meetings were also held with Philip Morris International, PayPal Holdings, Bharat Forge, and Belrise Industries to discuss investment opportunities, skilling initiatives, and manufacturing expansion.

Outlook
By positioning Bengaluru as a hub for innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships, Karnataka’s leadership aims to cement the city’s role as one of the world’s most dynamic investment destinations. The Davos outreach underscores the state’s ambition to attract long‑term capital and strengthen its global economic footprint.

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