Govt launches LEAP programmes to strengthen tech, innovation hubs

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday unveiled a range of initiatives— Lols, MoUs and skilling partnerships—aimed at making the state a global technology and talent hub.

- NT Correspondent

He highlighted two new programmes under the state government's flagship Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP)—Elevate Next (Deeptech) and Elevate Beyond Bengaluru.

"LEAP is a five-year, Rs 1,000-crore initiative designed to strengthen emerging clusters outside Bengaluru by providing access to infrastructure, funding and sector-specific support, while reinforcing Karnataka's leadership in advanced and disruptive technologies,” Priyank said at a press conference on the sidelines of the 28th Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025.

By adopting a full startup lifecycle approach, LEAP aims to support innovation from ideation to commercialisation and empower startups across the technology and innovation ecosystem, the state IT minister added.