From Electronic City to AI-enabled computing, KEONICS enters its sixth decade with a renewed focus on technology-led growth across Karnataka

Bengaluru: Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) today marked its Golden Jubilee, celebrating five decades of innovation, technology and transformation in Karnataka.

The celebrations was held in Bengaluru today, and attended by Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and E-Governance; Shri Veerappa Moily, former Chief Minister of Karnataka; Smt Shanthi Ramakrishna Baliga; Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS and Hon’ble MLA, Hosakote; Shri UB Venkatesh, Former MLC; Shri A S Ponnanna, Hon’ble MLA, Virajpet; Sri BV Naidu, Chairman, KDEM; Dr. N.Manjula,Secretary,Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, Science and Technology; Ms Nandini B, Chairperson, ELCIA and Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran (IAS) Managing Director, KEONICS among other dignitaries.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations marked this evolution through the launch of KEONICS’ new logo, launch of the CLT module, release of a coffee-table book documenting its five-decade journey, felicitation of training centres and unveiling of the statue of Shri R. K. Baliga, founder of Electronic City and KEONICS’ first Chairman and Managing Director.

The organisation is also strengthening its role in expanding access to technology across Karnataka. Its 130+ training centres have trained and certified more than 1.39 lakh students between FY 2019-20 and 2025-26, while KEONICS continues to expand its IT infrastructure across regional centres.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, said that KEONICS’ journey reflects Karnataka’s larger transformation into a global technology destination.

“From the early foundations of Electronic City to the technology ecosystem we see today, KEONICS has been part of Karnataka’s journey as an innovation and technology leader. As the State looks ahead, KEONICS has an important role in ensuring that technology infrastructure and opportunities reach every part of Karnataka.”

The Golden Jubilee also looked back at the vision that shaped Karnataka’s technology story. Shri Veerappa Moily, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, recalled the significance of the early vision behind Electronic City, noting that the development of Karnataka’s technology ecosystem was built on long-term thinking and institutional commitment. KEONICS Marks 50 Years of Building Karnataka’s Technology Ecosystem.pdf

“The creation of Electronic City was a bold vision at a time when the scale of what it could become was difficult to imagine. KEONICS represents that spirit of looking ahead and building institutions that can create opportunities for generations.”

Established in 1976, KEONICS played a foundational role in the development of 332 acres of land for Electronic City and has since evolved from an electronics promotion agency into a technology partner supporting government, industry and citizens. Today, its work spans IT infrastructure, digital services, government technology, skill development and digital procurement, with a growing focus on expanding technology opportunities beyond Bengaluru.

Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and E-Governance, said KEONICS’ role has evolved with the State’s technology ambitions.

“KEONICS is not just an institution with a five-decade history; it is an important execution arm in Karnataka’s technology ecosystem. From infrastructure and IT services to skilling, digital governance and new technology initiatives, its mandate today is about translating the State’s technology vision into outcomes on the ground.”

Building the Next Generation of Technology Infrastructure

As KEONICS enters its sixth decade, the Corporation is expanding its focus beyond Bengaluru, with a pipeline of technology infrastructure, digital services, skilling and AI initiatives aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s regional technology ecosystem.

Key initiatives include:

• Next-generation IT Parks across Karnataka: KEONICS is developing new technology infrastructure in Shivamogga, Mangaluru and Mysuru, with PPP/DFBOT models planned for several projects to bring private-sector participation and investment into regional technology development.
• Shivamogga – expanding the technology hub: An IT Park Annex Phase II is being developed on 2.5 acres adjacent to the existing IT Park. In addition, the 36-acre Shivamogga IT SEZ is being developed as a larger technology destination for the region.
• Mangaluru – building a coastal technology hub: A 3.25-acre IT Park at Blueberry Hill, Derebail, is being developed to expand KEONICS’ technology infrastructure along Karnataka’s coast.
• Mysuru – expanding the regional technology footprint: KEONICS is developing a 3.48-acre IT Park in Mysuru, aimed at creating modern commercial infrastructure for emerging technology enterprises.
• Beyond Bengaluru: These projects form part of KEONICS’ broader vision to expand technology, employment and business opportunities across Karnataka’s emerging regional growth centres, building on existing IT Parks in Hubballi, Kalaburagi and Shivamogga.
• Stronger technology partner for Government: KEONICS is expanding its role in IT consulting, system integration, software and IT services, centralised procurement, infrastructure management and technical workforce deployment for government departments and public institutions.
• Scaling digital government through KEONEXT: Its KEONEXT digital marketplace is designed to streamline G2G procurement and service delivery across ICT goods, IT services, infrastructure, training and technical human resources, with an emphasis on speed, compliance and cost efficiency.
• Future-ready skilling: KEONICS is modernising its training ecosystem and strengthening its Digital Education platform to offer digital and hybrid learning for students and working professionals.
• Taking AI to students and underserved communities: The KEO AI PC, a Made-in-Karnataka innovation, is designed to make affordable AI-enabled computing accessible to students and learners. The planned rollout covers 2,222 KEO AI PCs across 239 taluks and 31 Model Residential Schools, with on-device AI capabilities supporting digital learning and AI literacy. KEONICS Marks 50 Years of Building Karnataka’s Technology Ecosystem.pdf

Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS and Hon’ble MLA, Hosakote, said the Golden Jubilee marks both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the next phase of growth.

“KEONICS has constantly evolved with the needs of Karnataka. Our focus now is to strengthen technology infrastructure, create opportunities beyond Bengaluru, expand skilling and make emerging technologies more accessible. The next 50 years must be about taking the benefits of technology to every region and every section of society.”

“We continue to invite businesses, government institutions, and innovators to collaborate with us as we expand our footprint across emerging sectors and regional growth hubs,” he added.

As KEONICS enters its sixth decade, the organisation is looking to build on its legacy through next-generation technology infrastructure, digital governance, future-ready skilling, AI-enabled access and a stronger network of regional technology hubs, reinforcing its role in Karnataka’s continued technology-led growth.