HDB region emerging as promising technology, manufacturing, investment corridor: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge

Delegates at the sixth edition of the two-day HDB (Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi) Techceleration 2026, organised under the Karnataka Government’s Beyond Bengaluru Mission, which began in Hubballi on September 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE The Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi (HDB) region is emerging as one of Karnataka’s most promising technology, manufacturing, and investment corridors, according to Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT, BT and Home Department.The HDB region has a strong industrial base and is now seeing growing capabilities in technology, advanced manufacturing, and innovation, he said adding, HDB was building capabilities across semiconductors, Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, deep tech, Industry 4.0, and advanced engineering.These three cities bring different strengths to this ecosystem and that offers the region a strong foundation to build a larger technology and manufacturing ecosystem, the Minister stated.Hubballi has a growing technology and entrepreneurial base; Dharwad has strong academic and research institutions, while Belagavi has an established base in aerospace, precision engineering and advanced manufacturing.“Bringing these strengths together can create a strong ecosystem for innovation, investment and enterprise,’’ the Minister said on the sidelines of HDB Techceleration 2026 in Hubballi on September 3.According to a statement from the IT ministry, the response to HDB Techceleration 2026 has been very encouraging. The summit brought together more than 700 delegates, over 100 startups and 25 investors, along with industry, academia and technology stakeholders.This overwhelming participation was a clear indication of the interest and confidence that is building around HDB and its potential, Mr. Kharge said adding, “This is at the heart of our Beyond Bengaluru vision — to build strong technology and innovation ecosystems across Karnataka and create opportunities closer to where talent, institutions and industry are already present.”According to the Minister, HDB has many of the ingredients needed to make that vision a reality. “We will make it easier for companies to establish and scale in the region, strengthen innovation and advanced manufacturing, and connect HDB to national and global markets.”HDB has the industrial base, institutions, and technology capabilities to play a much bigger role in the growth of Karnataka.“We want to build on these strengths and create an ecosystem where companies can grow, startups can scale, and more high-quality opportunities are created in north Karnataka,” Mr. Kharge said. Published - September 04, 2026 11:35 am IST