Wed Feb 25 10:56:49 UTC 2026: ### Shivamogga Aims to Become IT Hub by 2030, Seeks Investors Beyond Bengaluru

The Story:
The Shivamogga District Chamber of Commerce and Industry is spearheading an initiative to transform Shivamogga into a prominent IT hub by 2030. The Chamber is hosting ‘Beyond Bengaluru – IT’ on February 28, 2026, at JNNCE College, aiming to attract investors and IT companies to the region. Chamber president B. Gopinath emphasized the availability of talent and improved air connectivity as key factors in Shivamogga’s potential. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission.

Key Points:

  • ‘Beyond Bengaluru – IT’ event to be held on February 28, 2026, at JNNCE College in Shivamogga.
  • The goal is to establish Shivamogga as an IT hub with 5,000 IT engineers employed by 2030.
  • Shivamogga now has an airport, improving connectivity.
  • The event is organized by the Shivamogga District Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with FKCCI and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission.
  • Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra will inaugurate the event.

Critical Analysis:
The series of negative news events occurring in Bengaluru on the same day the Shivamogga initiative is announced (medical negligence, student assault, scams, and fires) may inadvertently strengthen the argument for businesses to consider relocating or expanding outside of the capital city. While there’s no explicit link, the contrast could be used to highlight the potential benefits of a less congested and potentially less problematic environment in Shivamogga.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shivamogga is actively pursuing a strategy to diversify Karnataka’s IT sector beyond Bengaluru.
  • Improved infrastructure, specifically the new airport, is a key enabler for this ambition.
  • The initiative reflects a broader trend of decentralizing economic activity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India.
  • The timing of the announcement, coinciding with negative news from Bengaluru, may subtly underscore the need for alternative investment destinations.

Impact Analysis:

The success of the “Beyond Bengaluru – IT” initiative could have significant long-term implications:

  • Economic Growth in Shivamogga: Attracting IT companies will generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy.
  • Reduced Strain on Bengaluru: Diversifying the IT sector can alleviate the pressure on Bengaluru’s infrastructure and resources.
  • Replicable Model: If successful, the Shivamogga model could be replicated in other tier-2 and tier-3 cities across India, driving balanced regional development.
  • Competition and Innovation: Increased competition among IT hubs can foster innovation and improve the overall quality of services.

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