Karnataka isn't messing around. The state cabinet just approved two ambitious policies on November 13th that could reshape India's technology landscape, or become a very expensive lesson in overreach.

The Information Technology Policy 2025–2030 and Space Technology Policy 2025–2030 come with ₹967.12 crore in funding over five years. That's serious money, but the targets are even more audacious.

The numbers are genuinely wild

Karnataka wants to nearly triple software exports from ₹4.09 lakh crore to ₹11.5 lakh crore by 2030. Not a modest 20% bump. Nearly triple.

The IT sector's share in Karnataka's economy? They want that jumping from 26% to 36%. Oh, and they're planning to create over 90 lakh direct and indirect jobs while they're at it.

These aren't incremental goals. They're moonshots.

The brain gain strategy

Here's where it gets interesting. Karnataka is launching an 'IT Talent Return Programme' aimed at mid career professionals working overseas. The timing, coming amid global layoffs and US H1B visa uncertainty, seems almost too convenient.

IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge insisted to Deccan Herald that the policy wasn't triggered by layoffs or visa confusion. "Many people want to come back and work. Also, there's a lot of traction because of the presence of global capability centres."

Whether that's the full story or strategic timing, the mechanics are straightforward. A digital portal will match returning professionals with Karnataka based companies looking for expertise in leadership, research and development, and mentoring roles.

Beyond Bengaluru (finally)

The state is also pushing its 'Beyond Bengaluru' mission seriously this time. New IT and AI investments will target Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga.

Every Karnataka government talks about spreading tech beyond Bengaluru. Whether this policy actually delivers or becomes another unfulfilled promise depends entirely on execution, which brings us to the real test.

The AI native ambition

Karnataka wants to become an "AI native" state where artificial intelligence is deeply integrated into industry and public services. The policy explicitly focuses on AI, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Green IT, and advanced Cybersecurity.

There's also a 'Women in Global Tech Missions Fellowship' that will train 1,000 mid career women tech professionals and help experienced women return to leadership and R&D roles. Given India's notorious gender gap in tech, this could either be genuinely transformative or well intentioned tokenism.

Space isn't being ignored

The Space Technology Policy 2025–2030 has equally ambitious targets. Train 50,000 students and young professionals for space sector jobs. Attract $3 billion in investments from global and Indian space companies. Maintain 50% of India's national space market share whilst capturing 5% of the global market.

The cabinet also approved new Centres of Excellence for AI, Computing, and defence technology at IIT Dharwad under the Local Economy Accelerator Program, with ₹18 crore allocated to each.

The real question nobody's asking

These policies are designed to help Karnataka grow faster, create more jobs, and remain a leader in both IT and space technology. The goals are clear. The funding is allocated. The programmes are defined.

But here's what makes this fascinating. Karnataka already dominates India's tech sector. Bengaluru is already Asia's silicon valley. The state already attracts massive investment and top talent.

So why does Karnataka, from a position of strength, feel the need to make such aggressive bets on tripling exports and dramatically expanding its economic footprint? What's driving this urgency? And more importantly, what do they know about the next five years of global tech competition that's making them move this decisively right now?