Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) has marked its Golden Jubilee, commemorating five decades of involvement in Karnataka’s technology ecosystem and outlining plans to expand technology infrastructure, digital services, skilling and AI initiatives across the state.
The celebrations in Bengaluru included the launch of KEONICS’ new logo and a new CLT module, the release of a coffee-table book documenting its 50-year journey, the felicitation of training centres and the unveiling of a statue of R K Baliga, founder of Electronic City and KEONICS’ first chairman and managing director.
Established in 1976, KEONICS played a role in developing 332 acres of land for Electronic City. The organisation has since expanded from an electronics promotion agency into a technology partner working across IT infrastructure, digital services, government technology, skill development and digital procurement.
The corporation currently operates more than 130 training centres. Between FY2019-20 and FY2025-26, these centres trained and certified more than 1.39 lakh students, according to KEONICS.
Speaking at the event, D K Shivakumar, chief minister of Karnataka, said KEONICS’ evolution had mirrored the state’s development as a technology destination.
“From the early foundations of Electronic City to the technology ecosystem we see today, KEONICS has been part of Karnataka’s journey as an innovation and technology leader,” Shivakumar said. “As the State looks ahead, KEONICS has an important role in ensuring that technology infrastructure and opportunities reach every part of Karnataka.”
Priyank Kharge, minister for home, information technology, biotechnology and e-governance, said KEONICS’ mandate had expanded alongside the state’s technology priorities.
“KEONICS is not just an institution with a five-decade history; it is an important execution arm in Karnataka’s technology ecosystem,” Kharge said. “From infrastructure and IT services to skilling, digital governance and new technology initiatives, its mandate today is about translating the State’s technology vision into outcomes on the ground.”
Expanding technology infrastructure beyond Bengaluru
As it enters its sixth decade, KEONICS is planning and developing technology infrastructure in regional centres, including Shivamogga, Mangaluru and Mysuru.
In Shivamogga, the corporation is developing a 2.5-acre IT Park Annex Phase II next to the existing IT Park. A 36-acre Shivamogga IT SEZ is also being developed as a larger technology destination.
In Mangaluru, KEONICS is developing a 3.25-acre IT Park at Blueberry Hill, Derebail, while a 3.48-acre IT Park is being developed in Mysuru. Several projects are planned using public-private partnership or DFBOT models to bring private-sector participation and investment into regional technology development.
The initiatives build on KEONICS’ existing IT parks in Hubballi, Kalaburagi and Shivamogga, with the corporation seeking to expand technology, employment and business opportunities beyond Bengaluru.
KEONICS is also expanding its role as a technology partner to government departments and public institutions through IT consulting, system integration, software and IT services, centralised procurement, infrastructure management and technical workforce deployment.
Its KEONEXT digital marketplace is intended to streamline government-to-government procurement and service delivery covering ICT products, IT services, infrastructure, training and technical human resources.
The corporation is also modernising its training ecosystem and its Digital Education platform to provide digital and hybrid learning for students and working professionals.
Another initiative is the KEO AI PC, a Made-in-Karnataka computing platform designed to provide AI-enabled computing for students and learners. The planned rollout covers 2,222 devices across 239 taluks and 31 Model Residential Schools, with on-device AI capabilities aimed at supporting digital learning and AI literacy.
Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, chairman, KEONICS, and MLA, Hosakote, said the organisation’s next phase would focus on extending technology access across the state.
“KEONICS has constantly evolved with the needs of Karnataka. Our focus now is to strengthen technology infrastructure, create opportunities beyond Bengaluru, expand skilling and make emerging technologies more accessible,” Gowda said.
Veerappa Moily, former chief minister of Karnataka, also recalled the early vision behind Electronic City and the role of long-term institutional planning in the development of the state’s technology ecosystem.
With its Golden Jubilee, KEONICS is positioning its next phase around regional technology infrastructure, digital government, skills development and access to AI-enabled technologies across Karnataka.