K’taka digital economy set for bigger footprint with Mys GTC

Mysuru: Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is preparing to establish the state's first Global Technology Centre (GTC) here.The GTC aims to generate 10,000 jobs annually, along with 1.7 lakh indirect jobs. The proposed facility – coming up on 10 acres of land belonging to Karnataka State Open University at Mandakalli, near Mysuru airport – is expected to strengthen the IT/ITeS, start-up and ESDM sectors and position the city as an emerging technology hub. Speaking to TOI, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission's Mysuru cluster head Sudhir said work on the GTC was on in full swing, with an investment of Rs 30 crore. He said companies will start moving to this facility by the last week of next month. Officials said the project is part of the efforts to expand the state's digital economy ecosystem beyond Bengaluru and attract technology firms and innovation-driven enterprises to Mysuru. KDEM started renovation of workspace units at a cost of Rs 30 crore. The spaces will be rented out to IT companies keen on setting up offices in Mysuru. KDEM's intention is to bring all ITeS firms, irrespective of their sizes, under one roof. KDEM will also provide space to set up their incubation centres here. About 1,200-1,500 sqft of space will be provided to set up these centres. Companies can also take office space on rent and modify the units according to their requirements. While private developers charge Rs 10,000 for each seat at a workspace in Mysuru, KDEM charges only Rs 3,500 at its facility, thereby making these spots more economical. Several ITeS firms in Bengaluru have evinced interest in operating their offices from the Mysuru GTC. Firms that have already switched to Mysuru claim they have managed to reduce their overhead expenditure by 40%.