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Speech by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah

Inaugural Ceremony of SAP Labs India Innovation Park

Date: August 5, 2025 | Time: 10:30 AM | Venue: SAP Labs India Innovation Park, Devanahalli, Bengaluru

ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ 

1. It is a matter of immense pride for me to be here today at the inauguration of SAP Labs India’s new 41 acre Innovation Park in Devanahalli. This occasion is not merely the opening of a campus, it is the opening of a new chapter in Karnataka’s inspiring journey as the technology and innovation powerhouse of India.

2. Bengaluru, often called the Silicon Valley of India, is more than just a city. It is an idea. An ecosystem. A spirit of innovation. A confluence where the dreams of young technologists, the foresight of global enterprises, and the resilience of public policy come together to build the future.

3. From being the IT capital of India, Bengaluru has evolved into a Knowledge Capital, AI Capital, and even the Quantum Capital of the country. We are leading the way not just in software, but in deep technologies that will define the 21st century: Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Industry 4.0.

4. This 41-acre SAP Labs India Innovation Park here in Devanahalli is a powerful affirmation of that vision. It represents a global enterprise’s deep trust in Karnataka’s capability, credibility, and commitment to excellence.

5. Karnataka today contributes over 8% to India’s GDP and leads in IT exports with a 35% share. We are home to more than 40% of India’s electronics and R&D exports, over 500 Global Capability Centers, and 18,000+ startups, 40% of the Unicorns, a number that grows with every passing day. And Bengaluru alone is home to more than 40% of India’s unicorns.

6. It is the result of decades of visionary governance, progressive policies, and partnerships between industry, academia, and government. Karnataka was the first to launch a dedicated startup policy, and today we are taking that legacy forward with missions like Beyond Bengaluru, GCC Policy, and Emerging Technology Centres of Excellence across the state.

7. Our government and the IT-BT Minister Shri Priyank Kharge are committed to transforming Karnataka’s IT landscape, expanding opportunities for the industry and creating a future of inclusive growth and innovation for our youth.

8. The choice of Devanahalli by SAP for this world-class campus is equally symbolic. Strategically located near the Kempegowda International Airport, Devanahalli is poised to become the next growth node of Karnataka’s innovation landscape.

9. Our government in 2017 finalised the line kickstarted the airport line process. Currently, we are fast-tracking Airport Metro line and is fast-tracking suburban rail access by 2029. We are committed to balanced, decentralized, and sustainable growth beyond the core of Bengaluru.

10. The establishment of SAP’s Innovation Park reaffirms the deep trust that global leaders place in Karnataka. Since 1998, SAP Labs India, headquartered in Bengaluru, has grown to become SAP’s largest R&D facility outside Germany—a shining example of our state’s role in global innovation.

11. This state-of-the-art campus, designed to house 15,000 professionals in the long term, will strengthen Karnataka’s position as India’s innovation workforce engine. It is a milestone in our mission to create high-value jobs and opportunities for our youth.

12. I commend SAP for designing a campus that is not only a benchmark in technological excellence but also a model of sustainability—aspiring to be net-zero, water-positive, and carbon-neutral. This aligns perfectly with Karnataka’s vision of sustainable industrial development.

13. As we advance in clean energy, sustainable mobility, and eco-conscious growth, investments like this demonstrate how economic progress and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

14. Our initiatives, such as Global Technology Centers and Global Innovation Districts, are building the foundation for the industries of tomorrow—not just in Bengaluru but across Karnataka.

15. With an ambitious Rs. 2,500 crore programme supported by the World Bank, our government is strengthening first-grade colleges, establishing a Centre of Excellence, and enhancing R&D capabilities to build a skilled, future-ready workforce aligned with the demands of advanced technologies.

16. We are proud to partner with SAP in areas like digital governance, smart cities, skilling, and sustainability. Through SAP’s Startup Studio and co-innovation platforms, we see immense potential to empower MSMEs and enhance government services with cutting-edge digital tools.

17. I am delighted to witness the signing of an MoU between the Government of Karnataka and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, in the presence of SAP Labs India. This partnership will create a pipeline of industry-ready talent in logistics, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

18. The collaboration between SAP Labs India and the globally renowned Technical University of Munich is another landmark step.

19. These public-private-academic collaborations showcase the power of collective effort in shaping a future-ready Karnataka. They reflect our commitment to skilling our youth and ensuring they are globally competitive.

20. Let this Innovation Park be more than a workplace—let it be a launchpad for global solutions, built in Karnataka for the world, empowering talent from our cities, towns, and emerging tech clusters.

21. On behalf of the Government of Karnataka, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to SAP Labs India for this landmark investment. This campus stands as a symbol of our shared ambition and mutual trust.

22. As we inaugurate this world-class facility, let us reaffirm our commitment to making Karnataka the most innovation-friendly state in India, a place where global leaders like SAP can invest, innovate, and co-create a brighter future.

Thank you, Jai Hind, and Jai Karnataka!