Dell Mulls More Investment In Bengaluru R&D Centre

In a bid to strengthen its presence in Karnataka, tech giant Dell is considering fresh investment in its research and development (R&D) centre in Bengaluru, the state government said.

The US-based company already runs an R&D centre in the capital of Karnataka.

The officials of the company expressed their interest in making further investments in Bengaluru during their meeting with Karnataka’s large and medium industries & infrastructure minister M. B. Patil, who is on a visit to the US. 

During the meeting, Dell also sought support from the Karnataka government to overcome import restrictions on Special Economic Zone (SEZ) operations. This, the company said, would enhance cost sustainability and further help its expansion in the country. 

The state government’s delegation also met semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries. The company expressed interest in hiring an additional 200 skilled workers in Bengaluru. 

“The $30-Bn GlobalFoundries has also expressed interest in establishing and expanding its Aerospace and Defence presence in Karnataka, with plans for further engagement to develop a comprehensive business strategy,” the government said in a statement.

Patil assured the company of all the support from the government and said it will also help GlobalFoundries establish connections with customers and suppliers. 

In addition to meeting these companies, the delegation also attended the business roundtable hosted by the US-India Chamber of Commerce and AKKA, and jointly organised by TiE Austin  and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. About 60 entrepreneurs and business leaders attended the meeting. 

The Karnataka government has been making efforts to attract more tech companies and startups in the state to create jobs and give a boost to the local economy. Earlier this year, the Minor Irrigation minister NS Boseraju said that the state will set up a research and development ecosystem for startups to thrive. 

Recently, speaking at the TiE India Internet Day event in Bengaluru, minister Priyank Kharge said that Bengaluru has the world’s second-largest AI talent pool. 

Bengaluru, called India’s Silicon Valley, is home to a number of tech companies and startups. As per Inc42 data, Bengaluru-based startups raised $594 Mn in 46 deals during July-September 2023 amid the funding winter.

Earlier this year, a group of executives from the US-based International Battery Company (IBC) also met Patil to discuss the steps for its plans to set up a battery manufacturing plant with an investment of INR 8,000 Cr. Further, the Karnataka government is also in talks with Foxconn for its upcoming iPhone assembly plant on the outskirts of Bengaluru.