Global Innovation Hub launched at Bengaluru Airport City

The Karnataka government, BACL, and ANSR have launched District I, a Global Innovation Hub at Bengaluru Airport City, to accelerate deep-tech entrepreneurship and transform research into scalable solutions. Bringing together start-ups, academia, enterprises, and investors, the hub focuses on advanced technologies like AI, quantum computing, and block-chain.

On June 17, the Karnataka government, Bengaluru Airport City Ltd (BACL), and ANSR announced the launch of District I, a world-class innovation hub within Bengaluru Airport City. The initiative aims to transform Bengaluru into a global innovation epicentre by integrating start-ups, global capability centres (GCCs), IT firms, academia, venture capitalists, accelerators, and public institutions into one cohesive ecosystem.

Spread across 28 million square feet, District I will focus on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and customer experience (CX). It aims to drive innovation in key sectors where Bengaluru already holds leadership, including aerospace, defence, smart cities, retail, space, telecom, and BFSI.

The initiative will serve multiple roles—as a launchpad for startups, a platform to commercialise academic research, and a space for enterprise co-innovation. Backed by world-class infrastructure, the project seeks to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and encourage the transition from job seekers to job creators.

District I is also part of a broader vision to reshape the global innovation landscape by offering a collaborative platform for all stakeholders in tech development. Bengaluru Airport City, already equipped with modern facilities such as a 3D printing unit and a central kitchen, is being developed as a smart and sustainable urban zone powered by renewable energy and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

BACL, a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), is spearheading the development of this innovation-focused urban destination, which is expected to significantly enhance Bengaluru’s global tech prominence through job creation, IP development, and technology leadership.