Belagavi, traditionally known as a leading academic center, has now emerged as a major player in the Karnataka government’s rollout of 11 new Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) across the state. Notably, three of these incubators are located in Belagavi:
- VRIF (VTU) – Belagavi
- KLE TBI – Belagavi
- ROBIOT (MMEC) – Belagavi
Each incubator has received ₹10 crore in funding under the TBI 2.0 scheme to accelerate startup development in sectors such as biotech, clean tech, ICT, robotics, and more.
KLE TBI – NAIN Centre at KLE Tech, Belagavi
KLE Dr. M. S. Sheshgiri College of Engineering & Technology (KLE Tech) hosts the KLE TBI under the New Age Incubation Network (NAIN) initiative. Recognized under the state’s TBI scheme since 2018, it supports early-stage, student-led startups by offering mentorship, workspace, infrastructure, and seed funding of up to ₹3 lakh for proof-of-concept development. Among the startups nurtured here are RFINITY Solutions and Artallur Technologies.
Belagavi’s Growing Role in Karnataka’s Innovation Ecosystem
The presence of three government-supported TBIs marks Belagavi’s rise as a key innovation hub by:
- Expanding entrepreneurial activity beyond Bengaluru into tier-2 cities
- Promoting hands-on, industry-linked learning and startup opportunities
- Boosting local capabilities in robotics and deep-tech sectors
- Encouraging students to build careers or launch ventures within the region
With each incubator backed by ₹10 crore in state funding, Belagavi now stands central to Karnataka’s vision of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and future-ready talent beyond the metro corridors.
