Speaking at a session titled “Policy, Industry, and Capital for Mangaluru,” Atheeq said the council will function as a think‑tank, bringing together experts to address the city’s rapid growth, traffic congestion and infrastructure needs.
The council is slated to start with eight stakeholder organisations, including the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CREDAI Mangaluru, the Architects Association, the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Engineers Association and the Coastal Tourism Development Council.
Atheeq also highlighted the availability of substantial land parcels that could host an IT or technology park, data‑centre facilities and other “plug‑and‑play” projects across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has issued a final notification for the acquisition and development of 350 acres at Balkunje, with roughly 100 acres earmarked for a dedicated IT or technology park.
In addition, the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) holds another 350 acres of undeveloped land that could be offered on lease or rent‑sharing terms, while land near Padubidri and a 20‑acre parcel within a 40‑acre site at Tannirbavi are also being positioned for development.
B. V. Naidu, chairman of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, which organised Technovanza under the “Beyond Bengaluru” mission, said the National Institute of Technology‑Karnataka, Surathkal, will set up a Centre of Excellence on Data Centres to support the planned infrastructure.
The event also saw the release of two reports: “Silicon Beach Skills, Talent Landscape of Udupi and Mangaluru Cluster” and “AI Governance for Indian Startups,” underscoring the region’s focus on talent development and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.