Karnataka Proposes Sister City Corridor Between Bengaluru and San Francisco to Boost Innovation

Karnataka calls for sister city corridor between Bengaluru, San Francisco to foster innovation: Report

Speaking to the media at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Kharge detailed how their conversation included plans to facilitate access to U.S. markets for emerging businesses in Karnataka. The talks also touched on the potential development of skill corridors, particularly in sectors like fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductor manufacturing, in partnership with Austin, the report noted. READ | Gadkari announces new 14-lane road project, set to boost connectivity between Bengaluru, Pune, Sambhajinagar: Report This initiative is designed to boost economic, business, and technological investments while promoting cultural exchanges in areas such as commerce, health, education, and technology, Kharge explained, as quoted in the publication. Additionally, the Minister shared that Ambassador Garcetti expressed support for the establishment of a U.S. consulate in Bengaluru, which he believes will create job opportunities for locals and improve visa accessibility for students from Karnataka as well as other parts of southern India. READ | Bengaluru's second international airport site selection nears conclusion, Nelamangala-Kunigal area in talks: Report Garcetti emphasized that opening a consulate in Bengaluru makes perfect sense, given that Karnataka has become the world's fourth-largest technology hub. He highlighted the strong technological parallels between the U.S. and Karnataka, noting that Bengaluru ranks fifth globally in AI development and that the state is third in terms of skill development and AI capabilities, the publication added. This proposed sister city corridor aims to strengthen ties between the two regions, fostering growth in various sectors and enhancing the global standing of Bengaluru as a key player in technology and innovation.

Priyank Kharge proposes sister city corridor between Bengaluru and San Francisco

Karnataka has proposed the establishment of a sister city corridor between Bengaluru and San Francisco to boost collaborations around innovation, entrepreneurship, and trade between these cities. Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and Information Technology, on Friday said he had a discussion with the U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti and proposed the setting up of the sister city corridor. Addressing the media at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, the Minister said his discussion with the Ambassador also covered facilitating U.S. market access opportunities for emerging enterprises in Karnataka. Discussions were also held regarding forming skill corridors, particularly in fintech, AI, and semiconductor manufacturing in partnership with Austin, Mr. Kharge said. "This initiative aims to enhance economic, business, and technological investments, fostering significant cultural exchanges in commerce, health, education, and technology," he stated. The Minister informed reporters that the U.S. Ambassador assured him that steps would be prioritised for establishing a U.S. consulate in Bengaluru. This would create job opportunities for Kannadigas and enhance visa availability for students from Karnataka and South India, Mr. Kharge anticipated. Mr. Garcetti stated that establishing a consulate in Bengaluru, was a natural choice, as Karnataka was now the world's fourth-largest technology hub. He also highlighted the technological similarities between the U.S. and Karnataka, noting that Bengaluru ranked fifth globally in the AI sector and that the State was third in skill development and AI capabilities. Published - September 21, 2024 07:37 am IST Read Comments

US envoy Garcetti, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge discuss strengthening trade relations

At a press conference at Karnataka Bhavan here in the national capital, Minister Kharge proposed the establishment of sister city corridors between Bengaluru and San Francisco, highlighting the shared strengths in innovation and entrepreneurship. The discussions also covered integrating innovations from San Francisco into Karnataka and the opportunities for Karnataka's emerging enterprises to access US markets. Discussions were also held regarding a skill corridor, particularly in fintech, AI, and semiconductor manufacturing with Austin. They also discussed enhancing market access program. This initiative aims to enhance economic, business, and technological investments, fostering significant cultural exchanges in commerce, health, education, and technology. The Karnataka minister informed reporters that the US Ambassador assured him, that steps would be prioritised for establishing a US consulate in Bengaluru. The minister believes this would create job opportunities for Kannadigas and enhance visa availability for students from Karnataka and South India. A key focus of the conversation was the importance of setting up a US Consulate in Bengaluru, which would significantly boost trade and investment relations; streamline access to visas, passports, and other critical consular services; enhance bilateral cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and people-to-people ties; and provide essential support to the large American expatriate community in the city. Ambassador Eric Garcetti stated that establishing a consulate in Karnataka and Bengaluru is a natural choice, as Karnataka is now the world's fourth-largest technology hub. He highlighted the technological similarities between the US and Karnataka, noting that Bengaluru ranks fifth globally in the AI sector and that the state is third in skill development and AI capabilities. The US Ambassador emphasized Karnataka's leadership in biotechnology, aerospace, and defense, positioning it as an ideal destination for investment and business. The envoy commended Karnataka's human resources as a global model, noting that the consulate's establishment would benefit both the US and India. Minister Kharge also conveyed the message from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to the US Ambassador regarding the importance of establishing the consulate in Bengaluru. (ANI)