Bengaluru, 23 October (H.S.): Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has invited Poland to participate as a partner country in the Global Investors Meet 2027, seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation in investment, technology, innovation and employment generation.

During a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his delegation at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Friday, Shivakumar welcomed the proposed investment of approximately ₹80 crore by Poland's TZMO Group in the Vemgal Industrial Area in Kolar district. The project is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs in the state.

Shivakumar said Karnataka, a global hub for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, offered significant opportunities for cooperation with Poland in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and green energy.

Priority for Medical Products Manufacturing

The TZMO Group has proposed investing in a five-acre site in the Vemgal Industrial Area of Kolar district. The project aims to introduce the manufacture of smart adult incontinence pads in India for the first time.

The Chief Minister said Karnataka had considerable potential to attract further Polish investments in medical products, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

He added that the state government was keen to encourage investments that introduce new technologies, strengthen local industries, create quality employment and boost exports.

Boost to Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology

Highlighting the existing cooperation between Karnataka and Poland, Shivakumar referred to the Letter of Intent signed with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice and Kato.hub.

The initiative aims to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence, gaming and deep-tech innovation, including the proposed Karnataka–Katowice Digital and Gaming Corridor.

The initiative is expected to provide opportunities for startups, technology companies and research institutions from both sides to collaborate, develop new technologies and expand into each other's markets.

Shivakumar encouraged Polish technology companies to explore investment opportunities in Bengaluru in artificial intelligence, software, gaming, robotics, smart manufacturing and startup innovation.

He also called for stronger partnerships in research, education and technology transfer to generate skilled employment.

Cites Infosys' Presence in Poland

Citing Infosys' nearly 20-year presence in Poland as an example of India–Poland technology cooperation, Shivakumar said Karnataka would facilitate investments by Polish companies in Bengaluru.

He added that companies from Karnataka would also be encouraged to explore business opportunities in Poland.

The Chief Minister identified renewable energy, waste-to-energy, sludge management, wastewater treatment and circular economy solutions as promising areas for bilateral cooperation.

He said Poland's expertise in these sectors could support Karnataka's environmental priorities and sustainable industrial development.

Investment Opportunities for Polish Companies

Shivakumar invited Polish companies, including Asseco and Polpharma, to explore partnerships in information technology, software services, pharmaceuticals, research and development.

He also encouraged ORLEN and KGHM Polska Miedź to consider investment and technology collaboration in Karnataka's energy, petrochemical and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Emphasising that investment opportunities extended beyond Bengaluru, the Chief Minister urged Polish companies to explore industrial opportunities in various districts of Karnataka.

He said Poland's Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru could play an important role in strengthening business and institutional ties and facilitating closer engagement between Polish enterprises and Karnataka's industries.

Building on Previous Engagements

The meeting builds on earlier engagements, including discussions held in Warsaw last year between Karnataka's Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge and Poland's Deputy Prime Minister, as well as Poland's participation in the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

Shivakumar expressed confidence that the Polish Prime Minister's visit would lead to focused investment proposals, which officials and business representatives from both sides could pursue further after the delegation's visit.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa