"Nokia eyes Karnataka for new Global Capability Center, says M.B. Patil."

Telecommunications major Nokia Corporation has expressed interest in establishing a Global Capability Centre (GCC) and additional research centres in Karnataka, Industries Minister M.B. Patil said on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos.

Nokia, which has had a long-standing presence in Karnataka for over 25 years and operates its largest global research centre in Bengaluru, is reportedly exploring opportunities to expand its operations across the State, including in Tier-2 cities, the Minister added.

Mr. Patil also highlighted the Karnataka government’s commitment to supporting the WEF’s Yes–BLR UpLink initiative, which aims to scale the ‘Yes Bengaluru’ programme on sustainable urban development into a globally recognised platform for government–industry collaboration.

He said the matter was discussed in detail during a meeting with John Dutton, Head of UpLink at WEF. The initiative provides financial assistance, mentorship, and pilot opportunities to start-ups addressing real-world, city-focused challenges and contributing to urban development. The WEF UpLink delegation reportedly appreciated Karnataka’s continued support for the programme.