The Government of Karnataka has launched the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP), a ₹1,000 crore initiative aimed at strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. The program, designed to run over the next five years, is expected to generate over 5 lakh jobs by supporting startups with a comprehensive growth ecosystem.
LEAP will provide startups with end-to-end support through a lifecycle approach. The initiative covers funding, incubation, acceleration, Centres of Excellence, and the establishment of Global Technology Centres. A key highlight of the program is a dedicated ₹300 crore fund of funds, along with ₹100 crore allocated specifically to nurture deep tech startups.
By facilitating research, prototyping, and skilling initiatives, the program aims to accelerate innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Through such measures, Karnataka is targeting large-scale job creation, particularly for youth, in emerging technology and innovation-led sectors.
While Bengaluru has established itself as a global technology hub, LEAP places special emphasis on extending infrastructure and opportunities to Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns in Karnataka. The program will provide plug-and-play office spaces, co-working facilities, mentorship networks, and market access to entrepreneurs in smaller cities, ensuring inclusive growth across the state.
LEAP’s comprehensive structure is expected to enhance Karnataka’s startup ecosystem by creating long-term support for entrepreneurs. By combining financial resources with infrastructure, mentorship, and global collaborations, the program is positioned to strengthen local economies and foster entrepreneurship at scale.
The initiative marks a significant step in advancing Karnataka’s economic development goals by creating a resilient and innovation-driven business environment across both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions.
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