Karnataka invites Japanese companies to Expand Manufacturing Ties

Karnataka invites Japanese companies to expand manufacturing and technology partnerships, highlighting industrial incentives, skilled talent, innovation capabilities and initiatives connecting Indian MSMEs with Japanese businesses.

Karnataka has invited Japanese companies to expand their manufacturing operations and strengthen technology partnerships in the state, offering access to skilled talent, industrial land, infrastructure and investment incentives. The state government is positioning Karnataka as a long-term partner for Japanese businesses seeking to scale production, develop advanced technologies and build globally competitive enterprises.

The invitation was extended by S. Selvakumar, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Industries Department, while delivering the keynote address at the fourth edition of the India-Japan Business Summit 2026 in Bengaluru. He urged Japanese companies to bring their technologies to Karnataka, assuring them of government support in securing talent, land and partnerships to establish and expand operations.

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Highlighting Karnataka’s industrial and technology capabilities, Selvakumar said the state accounts for 40% of India’s electronic design activity, 65% of aerospace and defence manufacturing, 40% of software exports and 52% of machine-tool production. Karnataka also hosts more than 100 chip-design companies and over 800 research and development centres, providing a strong foundation for advanced manufacturing and innovation.

He outlined the state’s dedicated incentive packages for electronics manufacturing, which include support for plant, machinery and land, turnover-linked incentives and power tariff subsidies. The government is also using a digital single-window clearance system covering more than 30 departments to simplify approvals and facilitate industrial development beyond Bengaluru.

Organised by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) in association with Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture, the summit was held under the theme ‘Make in India with Japan, for the Globe’. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across manufacturing, technology, innovation and business development.

Hiroshi Nawata, Consul General of Japan in Bengaluru, noted that Karnataka is home to more than 200 Japanese companies and over 500 Japanese establishments. He highlighted the complementary strengths of both sides, with Bengaluru offering capabilities in information technology, artificial intelligence and research, while Japan brings expertise in engineering, manufacturing, robotics and industrial processes.

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BCIC President K. Ravi said the chamber’s Tokyo office, established in 2022, serves as a platform for strengthening business engagement. Through the SMRJ-BCIC Startup Portal, the chamber aims to connect more than 1,000 Indian micro, small and medium enterprises with Japanese companies, investors and technology partners, creating opportunities for joint ventures and market access.

The summit also saw BCIC sign agreements with HKBK College, Garden City College and Jain College to introduce Japanese-language training for engineering students. The initiative aims to develop a bilingual talent pool for Japanese companies operating in India and provide students with employment opportunities in Japan.