Karnataka Digital Economy Mission Launches Drone and EV Cluster in Belagavi

The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) has recently launched a drone and electric vehicle (EV) cluster in Belagavi, with the aim of establishing the district as a leading hub for drone and EV manufacturing. This move is expected to attract businesses and investors interested in these emerging technologies. Belagavi, which is located on the border of Maharashtra, is also home to an aerospace manufacturing special economic zone (SEZ). The DRoEV cluster is expected to further boost the district’s economic growth and create new job opportunities.

The newly launched DRoEV cluster in Belagavi, Karnataka aims to establish the district as a leading destination for drone and EV manufacturing by attracting global investors and becoming a part of the global supply chain. The cluster offers an opportunity to showcase local talents, intellectual property, products, and innovations while fostering a favorable manufacturing environment for the drones and EV industry. The KDEM, an independent organization comprising top corporate executives and government officials, will serve as a knowledge bridge between the state government and industry ecosystem to accelerate the development of Karnataka’s IT, BT, and S&T sectors.

KDEM chairman BV Naidu highlighted that the DRoEV cluster in Belagavi aims to create a favorable manufacturing ecosystem for global investors to collaborate with local industries and be part of the global supply chain. With its strategic location and proximity to industry hubs, R&D centres, educational institutions, and global networks, the cluster will help develop a robust ecosystem for the drone and EV sector. Additionally, the availability of local talent with approximately 30,000 students (engineers and ITI) passing out annually is another crucial factor that will contribute to the growth of new age industries like Drones & EV in the region.

The head of the IT/BT department and additional chief secretary, EV Ramana Reddy, stated that emerging clusters outside of Bengaluru, such as the Hubli-Dharwad-Belagavi region, were becoming increasingly influential. He added that the region’s skilled labour, entrepreneurship, and high talent pool were instrumental in attracting engineering companies. The government has been taking steps to accelerate the growth of the cluster in other areas. He expressed excitement about the industry’s interest in the initiative, saying that it would contribute to the digitization of the nation and unlock the potential of the state’s digital economy to transform people’s lives.

KDEM CEO Sanjeev Gupta said that the Indian EV & Drones market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 50% & 10% respectively for the next five years and Karnataka will play a leading role in this growth. “The KDEM is enabling this growth by creating a new cluster and hosting DRoEV 2023 in the already existing industrial clusters in Belagavi will benefit from the multiplier effect of this new venture.” Source