Bengaluru: A day before chief minister DK Shivakumar completes 100 days in office, his administration adopted a “govt-first” approach, throwing open state departments to startups to pitch solutions directly to the govt to address Karnataka’s pressing social and administrative challenges.At a cabinet meeting here Wednesday, the state govt approved a series of policies, including those for startups, aerospace, textile and readymade garments.“Under the amended startup policy, the govt has decided to bring in a govt-first approach. Instead of waiting for technologies to be tested and proven by the private sector, we have decided to allow startups to come to the govt first to make a pitch,” said deputy chief minister G Parameshwara while briefing the media.Sharing further details, IT-BT and home minister Priyank Kharge told TOI the decision was taken to allow startups a safe space to pitch their technology and products that are worth up to Rs 25 lakh.However, riders will be in place to ensure that startups that come forward are credible. “The startups will have to come via govt-sponsored schemes such as Elevate or have credible funding track records,” Priyank added.The cabinet also cleared the Aerospace policy 2026-2031, aiming to secure investments worth Rs 60,000 crore over five years.The govt will grant incentives to companies that intend to invest in the state. Classifying the state into different zones, the govt has decided to provide subsidies of up to 30% for investments in focus areas, and up to 25% for non-focus areas.“We are looking to secure Rs 60,000 crore in investments and provide employment to at least 50,000 people under the sector,” Parameshwara said.The DCM cited the example of Tata systems planning to construct light combat aircraft (LCA) in association with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which will see the govt provide certain incentives.Under the new textile and readymade garments policy 2026-31, the govt will offer credit-linked incentives and power subsidy of up to Rs 2 per unit.“We have identified 33 taluks for the textile and garment industry. The govt will spend up to Rs 4,000 crore in the next five years and earn investments worth Rs 20,000 crore,” Parameshwara further said.Points for GFX:50K JOB-PUSHRs 25 lakh: Value of tech/products startups can pitchRs 60k-cr: Aerospace investment target over 5 yrs50k jobs: Employment target from investments in aerospaceRs 4k-cr: Spending on textiles, garments over next 5 yrs
