Karnataka is setting a bold example for regional innovation and job creation with its recently approved Local Empowerment through Accelerated Program (LEAP), a ₹1,000 crore initiative designed to decentralize growth and expand startup ecosystems beyond the state capital, Bengaluru. This ambitious scheme aims to transform cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi into vibrant hubs of innovation, creating 5 lakh jobs and fostering entrepreneurship.

With the World AI Summit 2025 just around the corner in Bengaluru, LEAP presents an exceptional opportunity for technology leaders, investors, policymakers, and startups participating in the summit to align with Karnataka’s regional growth vision and accelerate impact.

What is the LEAP Scheme?

LEAP is a strategic government initiative aimed at boosting innovation and employment outside Bengaluru, Karnataka’s traditional tech hub. By investing ₹1,000 crore over the coming years, the program focuses on:

• Startup Ecosystem Development in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi
  
• Supporting incubators, accelerators, and centres of excellence to nurture early-stage startups
  
• Creating global tech hubs to attract international investment and collaboration
  
• Generating 5 lakh direct and indirect jobs through a sustainable innovation-driven economy
  

Why LEAP Matters to World AI Summit Stakeholders

The World AI Summit 2025 in Bengaluru gathers AI visionaries, entrepreneurs, enterprise leaders, government officials, and investors from across India and the globe. LEAP’s focus on regional empowerment creates a fertile ground for stakeholders at the summit to engage with emerging ecosystems and unlock new opportunities.

1. For Startups & Innovators:
   LEAP’s deep focus on startups, especially through ₹300 crore Fund-of-Funds and ₹100 crore DeepTech Corpus Fund, means unprecedented financial and infrastructural support. Summit startups can explore partnerships, pilot projects, and investments in these emerging cities where innovation meets government backing.
2. For Investors & Venture Capitalists:
   The decentralization strategy allows investors at the summit to tap into underexplored regions with high growth potential. LEAP-backed centres of excellence and tech hubs are ideal scouting grounds for emerging AI and deep-tech startups looking for capital and mentorship.
3. For Policymakers & Government Representatives:
   LEAP serves as a model of regional development and innovation governance. Delegates from various states and countries can collaborate on policy frameworks, share insights, and replicate similar regional empowerment initiatives showcased during the summit’s policy discussions.
4. For Corporates & Enterprise Leaders:
   Corporates attending the summit seeking innovation-led growth can benefit from LEAP by partnering with startup incubators and accelerators in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, leveraging local talent, and contributing to the global tech ecosystem expansion.

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Infrastructure & Funding – The Backbone of LEAP

LEAP’s infrastructure thrust is crucial. Startup incubators, accelerators, centres of excellence, and global tech hubs will provide the ecosystem that startups and innovators need to thrive. 

Be part of  the World AI Summit 2025

Karnataka’s LEAP Scheme represents a phenomenal push to expand innovation and employment beyond Bengaluru, positioning the state as a beacon for decentralized growth. For World AI Summit participants, LEAP is not just an initiative but a gateway to new markets, partnerships, and social impact.

Be a part of the World AI Summit 2025 and unlock the immense potential of Karnataka’s progressive policy framework and dynamic growth opportunities. 

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