Kharge launches Rs 600‑crore ‘Deep Tech Decade’ on Nov 18 to address talent gap
Kharge unveiled a Rs 600‑crore “Deep Tech Decade” on Nov 18, framing it as a direct response to a talent crunch that’s now global in scale. While the tech push sounds ambitious, the numbers behind it are stark: the world is missing almost 86 million skilled professionals, according to the founder. He argued that bridging that gap could lift productivity across sectors, but the plan hinges on more than funding.
Here’s the thing: the initiative isn’t just about money or gadgets; it’s about reshaping how talent is cultivated and where knowledge clusters. By positioning the venture as a hub for both skill development and expertise, the program aims to become a magnet for the kind of human capital that markets are scrambling for. That ambition sets the stage for the next line, where Kharge explains what truly differentiates the effort.
What makes us unique is that we position ourselves as a skill capital and a knowledge destination." Kharge highlighted the growing global talent gap as a key driver for the program. "The world faces a shortage of nearly 86 million skilled professionals," he said. "If we can increase productivity by even 1% of our workforce through the right skill sets, we add $2.7 billion to the state economy." The Deep Tech Decade is part of Karnataka's broader skill strategy, which includes the skill policy and the Nipuna reskilling and upskilling programme, one of India's largest initiatives, targeting employment opportunities for three million people. The programs also emphasise AI literacy, women's participation in the tech workforce, and global employability.
Will ₹600 crore be enough? The Deep Tech Decade launches on November 18, promising to turn Karnataka into a skill capital and knowledge destination. With an investment pool of ₹600 crore, the programme intends to seed new centres of excellence and incubators, aiming to decentralise innovation across the state.
Kharge cited a global shortfall of roughly 86 million skilled professionals as the impetus behind the effort, suggesting that boosting productivity could narrow the gap. Yet the details of how the funds will be allocated remain unclear, and no timeline for measurable outcomes has been disclosed. The initiative’s ambition to position the region as India’s hub for AI, machine learning and emerging technologies is evident, but whether the planned ecosystem will attract and retain the necessary talent is still uncertain.
Stakeholders will be watching for concrete milestones as the programme unfolds, hoping that the announced financial commitment translates into tangible capacity building. Time will reveal the impact.
Further Reading
- State announces Rs 600-cr fund to boost startups - The Hans India
- Karnataka to invest Rs 600 crore on its Deep Tech Decade initiative - The New Indian Express
- Karnataka Announces ₹600 Crore Fund to Push 'Deep Tech Decade' - Ground News (Silicon Republic, The Hindu, Inc42, Analytics India Magazine)
- Karnataka to invest Rs 600 crore in Deeptech and AI - Deccan Herald
Common Questions Answered
What is the budget allocated for the Deep Tech Decade initiative launched by Kharge?
The Deep Tech Decade is funded with a budget of Rs 600 crore. This investment pool is intended to seed new centres of excellence and incubators across Karnataka, aiming to decentralise innovation.
How many skilled professionals does Kharge claim are missing globally, and what impact could closing this gap have on Karnataka's economy?
Kharge cites a global shortfall of nearly 86 million skilled professionals. He argues that increasing productivity by just 1% of the workforce through targeted skill sets could add approximately $2.7 billion to Karnataka's state economy.
What dual role does Kharge envision for Karnataka in the Deep Tech Decade program?
Kharge positions Karnataka as both a skill capital and a knowledge destination. By leveraging the Rs 600 crore investment, the state aims to become a hub for advanced training and innovative research in deep technology.
When does the Deep Tech Decade officially launch, and what are its primary objectives?
The Deep Tech Decade officially launches on November 18. Its primary objectives are to address the talent crunch, boost productivity across sectors, and establish new centres of excellence and incubators throughout Karnataka.