Karnataka’s LEAP Program: ₹1,000 Crore Initiative for Innovation and Employment

Why in News ?

• The Government of Karnataka has launched the LEAP (Local Economy Acceleration Program) with a budget of ₹1,000 crore for five years.
• The objective is to develop innovation and the startup ecosystem beyond the state capital Bengaluru and generate employment across the state.
• The program has set a target of creating 5 lakh jobs.

Key Features of LEAP

Scope and Budget

• Duration: 5 years
• Budget: ₹1,000 crore
• Implementing Department: Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology
• Focus: Strengthening emerging technology clusters outside Bengaluru

Employment Generation and Regional Focus

• Aim: To create 5 lakh jobs across Karnataka, outside Bengaluru.
• Targeted regional clusters:
  • Mysuru – Chamarajanagar
  • Mangaluru – Udupi
  • Hubballi – Belagavi – Dharwad
  • Tumakuru
  • Kalaburagi
  • Shivamogga

Support Across the Startup Lifecycle

LEAP covers the entire startup journey:

• Promoting entrepreneurship in schools and colleges
• Providing grants and funding to early-stage deep-tech startups
• Infrastructure development: incubators, accelerators, prototype labs, growth labs
• Organizing hackathons, bootcamps, and digital clinics for skill-building and experience
• Establishing innovation hubs and ecosystems

Strategic Significance

• Bengaluru already ranks among the top global startup indices.
• LEAP aims to ensure more balanced distribution of innovation and reduce over-centralization.
• Encourages local job creation and reduces migration to cities.
• Diversifies and strengthens the state’s technology portfolio.

Static Facts