Mangaluru Attracts Senior Tech Leaders to Launch New Ventures

The coastal city of Mangaluru, often dubbed the “Silicon Beach of India,” is experiencing a significant influx of tech professionals and entrepreneurs who are returning to their roots, reversing decades of talent migration to metropolitan hubs.

A potent combination of state-backed financial incentives, a thriving local startup ecosystem, and an unmatched quality of life drives this trend, rather than mere sentiment.

The returnees, who bring with them decades of expertise in domains like fintech, industrial automation, and cutting-edge AI, are establishing new ventures and regional development centres, actively contributing to the city’s rapidly expanding tech economy.

Prominent figures like veteran entrepreneur Mohandas Pai and industry leaders have championed Mangaluru’s potential, noting that the city already hosts an estimated 25,000 tech professionals and a vibrant culture.

Government Policy Accelerates Decentralization

A critical catalyst for the influx is the Karnataka government’s IT-BT Policy (2025–2030). 

This policy specifically aims to decentralize growth away from the saturated Bengaluru market.

The policy offers substantial financial incentives for startups and tech firms to relocate or expand in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Mangaluru.

Key financial incentives include:

• Talent Relocation Support: Up to ₹50,000 per employee for firms moving talent from Bengaluru or outside the state.
• Rental Assistance: A 50% reimbursement on office rent, capped at a significant ₹2 crore.
• Tax Waivers: Full waiver on electricity duty for five years, along with property tax and telecom bill rebates.

This government intervention is backed by a planned ₹960 crore outlay. 

This makes the financial case for establishing operations in Mangaluru compelling, easing the high operational costs associated with Bengaluru.

The Appeal of ‘Ooru’ and Infrastructure Push in Mangaluru

Beyond the financial calculus, the appeal of returning to one’s ‘Ooru’ (hometown) is strong.

IT professionals, many of whom are graduates of prestigious local institutions like NITK Surathkal, cite key motivators for returning. 

These include a superior work-life balance, lower cost of living, cleaner environment, and cultural immersion.

For instance, couples like Smitha and Manohar Rao, with over 20 years of IT experience, moved back to launch their product engineering firm, OjasQuest. 

Both emotional and strategic factors drove their decision.

To support this growth, significant infrastructure developments are underway.

The state’s LEAP program is poised to deliver the city its first dedicated tech park.

This park promises 3.5 lakh sq. ft. of workspace and support for over 3,500 professionals.

While concerns about highway connectivity and airport capacity remain, ongoing projects, including runway expansion, are underway. 

These aim to solidify Mangaluru’s position as a globally competitive hub, projected to generate over 10,000 additional IT jobs in the near future.

Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.