WEF Davos: Karnataka holds talks with Bharti, PayPal, Mistral AI on expansion

Karnataka government officials held a series of high-level investment discussions with global companies at the World Economic Forum in Davos, exploring opportunities across data centres, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and infrastructure, while assuring policy certainty and full facilitation support.

Bharti Enterprises, which has made cumulative investments of approximately Rs 13,000 crore in Karnataka, expressed interest in establishing a data centre in the state. Discussions covered land availability, water supply, and supporting infrastructure, with the government assuring full coordination with relevant departments.

Digital payments leader PayPal, which employs over 4,000 people and 1,500 contractual staff in Karnataka, highlighted engineering and talent development as key priorities. The company expressed strong interest in AI-led innovation, reskilling and upskilling initiatives, and startup funding, while appreciating Bengaluru's talent pool. The government assured support for PayPal's existing operations and future initiatives.

French AI firm Mistral AI conveyed its intent to expand into India and discussed setting up a Global Capability Centre or R&D facility in Bengaluru, citing Karnataka's position as a leading global AI talent hub housing over half of India's AI and machine learning workforce.

Bharat Forge explored investment opportunities aligned with Karnataka's industrial and manufacturing ecosystem, including sectors leveraging the company's expertise in forging and precision engineering. Imperial College London discussed expanding its R&D and academic footprint in Karnataka, including a possible presence in KWIN City, building on its Science and Innovation Hub in Bengaluru and collaboration with IISc.

In the renewable energy sector, ReNew Power reviewed its current and proposed investments across solar, wind, hybrid projects, energy storage, and manufacturing-linked opportunities. Karnataka highlighted its renewable potential, grid infrastructure, and commitment to policy continuity during the discussions.

Carlsberg Group confirmed it is implementing a Rs 350 crore bottling capacity investment committed at the Global Investors Meet 2025 and is considering further expansion in Karnataka. Water technology company Xylem Inc discussed smart wastewater treatment solutions and proposed a detailed study for a tertiary treated water plant in a KIADB industrial area.

Philip Morris International highlighted Karnataka as its second-largest global procurement location and discussed future investment opportunities, including next-generation smoke-free products, seeking support on regulatory engagement.

Separately, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed WEF delegates, inviting global investors to Bengaluru and describing it as the "city of the future" with strong talent depth, expanding metro and public transport infrastructure, and efficient governance. He reiterated the state's commitment to support investors across sectors.