"State is at forefront of technological advancement in India": Karnataka CM

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 19 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commended the technological milestones at Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center campus inauguration and said that this occasion added yet another feather to the illustrious cap of the state.
"As we witness the launch of two important Boeing initiatives by our Prime Minister, this occasion adds yet another feather to the illustrious cap of Karnataka, a state that has consistently stood at the forefront of technological advancement in India," CM Siddaramaiah said on Friday.
He further said that Karnataka proudly holds the title of being the fourth largest technology cluster globally, ranking first in the India Innovation Index and leading in total exports among all Indian states.
"Our State is home to 400 of the Fortune 500 companies, excelling in R&D centres, renewable energy, and earning the well-deserved recognition as the Startup Capital of India. The abundance of a talented workforce and skilled manpower makes Karnataka the natural choice for technology and knowledge-driven industries," he added.
Karnataka CM said that today's inauguration of the new Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center campus is a testament to our continued dedication to fostering an ecosystem that propels progress in the global aviation sector.
"I am particularly pleased that Boeing has chosen to establish this expansive facility near the International Airport, an emerging hub for numerous future developments, including aerospace and defence. Karnataka has proudly held the mantle of being the aerospace hub of the country, commanding over 65 per cent of aerospace and defence exports," he added.
He further added that the government's commitment to progress extends beyond technological advancements; it includes a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
"To this end, we are dedicated to empowering our girl children and women across the state. Karnataka has long supported the indomitable spirit of women and their invaluable contributions to our society," he said.
Karnataka CM said that Karnataka will continue to support programs that foster the development of girls and women, positioning them as entrepreneurs and leaders of today, tomorrow, and beyond.
He further hoped that these initiatives bring a bright future of innovation, progress, and prosperity for Karnataka and Boeing alike.
Earlier today, PM Modi inaugurated the new state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center (BIETC) campus.
Built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crore, the 43-acre campus is Boeing's largest such investment outside the USA.
Boeing's new campus in India will become a cornerstone for partnership with the vibrant startup, private and government ecosystem in India, and will help develop next-generation products and services for the global aerospace and defence industry.
He also launched the Boeing Sukanya Programme in Bengaluru, which aims to support the entry of more girl children from across India into the country's growing aviation sector.
The program will provide opportunities for girls and women from across India to learn critical skills in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector.
For young girls, the program will create STEM Labs at 150 planned locations to help spark interest in STEM careers. The program will also provide scholarships to women who are training to be pilots.