Karnataka Launches Rs 1,000 Crore “LEAP” to Fuel Innovation Across the State

The Karnataka government has launched a bold new initiative called LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Programme), with an outlay of ₹1,000 crore over five years. Designed to spread innovation and entrepreneurial growth beyond Bengaluru, LEAP aims to create five lakh jobs, uplift emerging tech clusters across the state, and strengthen startup ecosystems from schools to global markets. The programme is intended to address key gaps — infrastructure, funding, mentorship — so that innovation reaches every region of Karnataka.

Key Features of LEAP

Scope & Outlay

LEAP is a five‑year initiative with a budget of ₹1,000 crore, implemented by the Department of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology. It seeks to foster development outside the capital by focusing on other growing tech clusters.

Job Creation & Regional Focus

One of the central goals is to generate 5 lakh (500,000) jobs across Karnataka outside Bengaluru. Clusters identified for special focus include Mysuru‑Chamarajanagar, Mangaluru‑Udupi, Hubbali‑Belagavi‑Dharwad, Tumkur, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga.

Support Across Startup Lifecycle

LEAP is meant to be holistic,

• Encouraging entrepreneurship from schools and colleges
• Supporting early‑stage deep‑tech startups via grants and funding
• Building infrastructure: incubators, accelerators, prototype labs, and growth labs
• Hosting hackathons, bootcamps, digital clinics, etc. to enhance skills and exposure

Building Innovation Hubs & Ecosystems

The programme aims to convert emerging clusters into self‑sustaining, globally competitive innovation hubs. That means not just setting up infrastructure, but also enabling access to mentorship, markets, and funding.

Strategic Importance

LEAP comes at a time when Bengaluru already ranks highly in global startup indices, but the government’s vision is that Karnataka’s true growth will come if innovation is more evenly distributed. Boosting regional capacities can help reduce overcentralization, provide more employment opportunities locally, and reduce migration pressures to cities. It also strengthens the innovation base, making the state more resilient and diversified in its technology portfolio.

Static Facts

• LEAP = Local Economy Accelerator Programme
• Budget/Outlay: ₹1,000 crore
• Duration: 5 years
• Job‑creation target: 5 lakh jobs
• Target areas: clusters like Mysuru‑Chamarajanagar; Mangaluru‑Udupi; Hubbali‑Belagavi‑Dharwad; Tumkur; Kalaburagi; Shivamogga