The state of Karnataka, known for its pioneering role in India’s IT and innovation sectors, has recently launched a revolutionary initiative — the Karnataka Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2024-2029. This forward-thinking policy aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in innovation, making it the premier destination for multinational corporations (MNCs) looking to establish their Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The new policy represents a significant step towards transforming Karnataka into a globally recognized innovation hub, laying the groundwork for unprecedented growth in foreign investments, technological advancement, and skill development. Karnataka has long been synonymous with technology and business services, especially with its capital, Bengaluru, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India.” Now, with the launch of the Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029, the state is set to further elevate its standing on the global stage.
In this in-depth analysis, we will explore the objectives of the Karnataka GCC Policy, its expected impact on the global business landscape, and its broader vision of making Karnataka a global innovation hub. Additionally, we’ll highlight how the policy can transform industries, including the Visitor Management Systems (VMS) sector, where platforms like Onfra play a pivotal role in enhancing office and visitor management efficiency.
Objectives of the Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029
The government meticulously designed the policy with several strategic goals, aiming not only to attract more MNCs to establish their GCCs in Karnataka but also to create a holistic environment that fosters growth, innovation, and sustainability.
1. Attracting Global Investments:
The primary goal of the Karnataka GCC Policy is to attract multinational corporations to invest in the state by setting up or expanding their GCCs. The state already boasts a significant presence of GCCs, particularly in Bengaluru. However, this policy aims to further boost foreign direct investments (FDI) by offering incentives like tax benefits, simplified regulations, and infrastructure support. By doing so, Karnataka hopes to cement its position as the go-to destination for global businesses seeking to capitalize on India’s expertise and talent pool.
2. Fostering Technological Innovation:
- A key pillar of the policy is promoting innovation across sectors, particularly through the adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, robotics, and automation. The policy aims to encourage both local and international companies to invest in research and development (R&D) and collaborate on breakthrough innovations. This aligns with Karnataka’s vision of becoming a global leader in next-generation technologies.
3. Developing a Skilled Workforce:
- Karnataka’s vast talent pool is one of its most significant assets. The new policy focuses on further developing this workforce by investing in skill development programs tailored to the needs of GCCs. By collaborating with educational institutions, corporates, and government bodies, the state aims to ensure that its talent remains future-ready and can adapt to the demands of global businesses. Programs aimed at reskilling and upskilling workers will be instrumental in meeting the demands of the GCC ecosystem, which requires specialized skills in IT, data analytics, AI, and more.
4. Promoting Sustainability and Inclusivity:
Karnataka’s GCC policy places a strong emphasis on sustainability. In an era where climate change and environmental concerns are at the forefront, the policy encourages the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices across industries. In addition, inclusivity is another key focus, with efforts to create employment and development opportunities for underrepresented communities, including women, differently abled individuals, and rural populations.
5. Enhancing Infrastructure:
The policy outlines plan for significant infrastructure development, ranging from transportation networks to digital connectivity and smart cities. By ensuring world-class infrastructure, Karnataka aims to provide global companies with a seamless business environment that supports growth and efficiency. Bengaluru is already renowned for its tech infrastructure, but this policy will expand it to make more cities in Karnataka attractive destinations for GCC operations.
What Are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)?
Global Capability Centres (GCCs), often referred to as captive centres, are specialized units that multinational corporations set up to handle key business functions. These functions include IT services, business process outsourcing (BPO), finance, data analytics, and other back-office operations.
GCCs allow MNCs to centralize their global operations, often leading to increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced innovation. Over the past decade, India has become one of the top destinations for GCCs, thanks to its vast pool of highly skilled professionals, cost-effective services, and favourable business environment.
Karnataka, and particularly Bengaluru, has long been a hub for GCCs. The city is home to over 500 GCCs, including those of major global players such as Accenture, IBM, Cisco, and Goldman Sachs. The Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029 seeks to build on this foundation, attracting more MNCs and further expanding the state’s influence on the global business services landscape.
Vision and Impact of the GCC Policy 2024-2029
The Karnataka GCC Policy also aims to bring about a holistic transformation in the way the state engages with the global business community. Thus the policy focuses on innovation, talent development, and sustainability, delivering far-reaching benefits for MNCs, local businesses, employees, and the state’s economy. Here’s a closer look at how it will impact various stakeholders:
1. Multinational Corporations (MNCs):
MNCs looking to establish or expand their GCC operations in Karnataka stand to benefit immensely from the policy’s business-friendly initiatives. The streamlined regulatory framework, coupled with tax incentives and infrastructure support, will reduce the operational burdens that often come with setting up new centres. Moreover, Karnataka’s focus on fostering innovation will allow MNCs to tap into cutting-edge technologies and collaboration opportunities with local tech startups, research institutions, and universities.
2. Local Businesses:
The influx of foreign investments and global companies into Karnataka will create numerous opportunities for local businesses to collaborate with and provide services to these global firms. Whether in IT services, real estate, or infrastructure development, the policy will create a trickle-down effect, where the benefits of the growing GCC sector positively impact Karnataka’s entire business ecosystem. Local startups, especially in the tech and service sectors, stand to gain significantly as they become a part of global supply chains.
3. Workforce Development:
One of the most exciting aspects of the Karnataka GCC Policy is its emphasis on workforce development. As MNCs establish more GCCs, the demand for skilled professionals will also increase exponentially. To meet this demand, the policy includes measures for reskilling and upskilling local talent. Special training programs focused on emerging technologies will be established in partnership with educational institutions. This will ensure that Karnataka continues to supply a highly skilled workforce that is adept at meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global business landscape.
4. Economic Growth:
The Karnataka GCC Policy is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s economic growth. With more MNCs establishing their GCCs in Karnataka, there will be increased job creation across various sectors. This will lead to higher income levels, improved standards of living, and a boost in economic activities in sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure. Additionally, the policy will encourage innovation, making Karnataka a hub for new technologies that can drive further economic growth.
5. Technological Advancements:
The policy’s emphasis on innovation, particularly in emerging fields like AI, blockchain, and IoT, is expected to propel Karnataka to the forefront of global technological advancements. By encouraging R&D and innovation, the state will continue to be a breeding ground for cutting-edge technologies that can solve global challenges. Karnataka’s strong startup ecosystem, combined with the presence of numerous global players, will allow for cross-industry collaboration that can lead to breakthrough innovations.
Policy Implementation: A Phased Approach
The government will implement the Karnataka GCC Policy in a phased manner to ensure balanced and sustainable growth. In the initial phases, it will create the necessary infrastructure, identify key sectors for maximizing GCC growth, and establish a dedicated task force to oversee the policy’s execution. The subsequent phases will involve scaling up operations, promoting innovation through strategic partnerships, and ensuring the continuous development of the workforce.
How Does This Affect the Visitor Management System (VMS) Sector?
As Karnataka evolves into a global innovation hub, the role of digital transformation across various sectors will become increasingly crucial. One area where this change is particularly noticeable is in workplace management, where businesses are moving towards more seamless and efficient visitor handling solutions.
Onfra, a Visitor Management Platform designed for modern offices, plays an essential role in this transformation. With its advanced desk booking capabilities and the Onfra Pad App, which serves as a self-service kiosk at the reception, Onfra is revolutionizing how organizations manage visitors and employees. The Onfra Pad App is designed to be accessibility-friendly, ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can interact with the system seamlessly.
As the GCC ecosystem in Karnataka grows, businesses will need efficient and scalable visitor management systems to handle an influx of employees, visitors, and partners. Onfra’s platform can help these businesses streamline their visitor and workspace management, making it easier to handle large volumes of visitors while maintaining high levels of security and accessibility.
Onfra’s cutting-edge solutions, which integrate seamlessly with workplace environments, will become an integral part of how global businesses in Karnataka manage their operations. This will align with the state’s vision of promoting technological innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Conclusion: Karnataka’s Journey Toward Global Leadership
Karnataka’s ambitious Global Capability Centers (GCC) Policy 2024-2029 is a testament to the state’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to becoming a global leader in business services and technology. This policy framework, with its focus on fostering innovation, attracting investment, and nurturing skill development, positions Karnataka as a strategic destination for multinational corporations seeking to establish and expand their global capabilities.
The policy aims to create an enabling environment that supports the growth of diverse industries, from information technology to research and development, while promoting a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
Karnataka is well-positioned to attract top-tier talent and leading companies worldwide by improving the ease of doing business, providing incentives for innovation, and investing in infrastructure.
As the global business landscape evolves, the demand for advanced solutions that meet the changing dynamics of the workplace is growing. In this context, sectors like visitor management systems are becoming increasingly important. Companies like Onfra, with their innovative technology and commitment to accessibility, are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of workplace management.
By providing seamless, secure, and user-friendly solutions, Onfra is enabling businesses to create more efficient and inclusive environments, aligning with Karnataka’s vision for technological leadership.
With the support of progressive policies, innovative companies, and a skilled workforce, Karnataka is well on its way to becoming a pivotal player in the global economy. The state’s focus on fostering a conducive environment for technological advancements and business excellence will not only strengthen its position as a global hub but also inspire other regions to adopt similar transformative approaches.
FAQs on Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029
1. What is the Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029? The Karnataka GCC Policy 2024-2029 is a strategic plan by the Karnataka state government aimed at attracting MNCs to set up or expand their Global Capability Centres (GCCs). It focuses on fostering innovation, encouraging foreign investments, and building a skilled workforce for the future.
2. How do Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operate? GCCs are specialized units that MNCs establish to centralize various business functions such as IT services, finance, and analytics. These centers help companies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.
3. How will the Karnataka GCC Policy benefit local businesses? Local businesses will benefit from increased collaboration opportunities with MNCs, access to new technologies, and the ability to provide services to global firms. The policy will also stimulate growth in sectors like infrastructure, real estate, and services.
4. How does Onfra fit into this evolving ecosystem? As businesses expand their GCC operations in Karnataka, they will require efficient visitor and workspace management solutions. Onfra’s Visitor Management Platform and its Onfra Pad App can provide a scalable, accessible, and innovative solution for managing visitors and employees.
5. What role does sustainability play in the Karnataka GCC Policy? The policy emphasizes sustainable development by promoting eco-friendly practices across industries. It encourages companies to adopt green technologies and aims to foster a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
6. How will the policy impact job creation in Karnataka? With more MNCs establishing GCCs in the state, there will be a surge in job opportunities, particularly in sectors like IT, finance, and data analytics. The policy also prioritizes upskilling the local workforce to equip them for the demands of global business operations.

Rahman, CTO of onfra.io, drives technological advancements and strategic vision. With a focus on cutting-edge solutions, Rahman spearheads the development team at onfra.io, shaping the future of visitor management technology.