The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), operating under the state’s IT/BT Department, has signed an MoU with Coinbase Private India Limited to advance blockchain innovation and strengthen cybersecurity preparedness across the state. Placing skill development and ecosystem-building at the core, the partnership seeks to upskill more than 10,000 developers on the Base ecosystem, support the incubation of over 25 blockchain-focused startups and provide cybersecurity training to 1,000 individuals, including law enforcement personnel. These goals anchor Karnataka’s broader ambition to establish itself as India’s foremost onchain innovation hub and a leading cybersecurity center of excellence.
To ensure that learning and innovation opportunities reach diverse communities, the initiative will be delivered through government institutions, K-Tech hubs and Centres of Excellence across the state. This distributed model of execution is expected to broaden access to high-quality training, create pathways for students into emerging technology roles, and support early-stage startups with structured mentoring and incubation.
The collaboration places particular emphasis on developing talent for the rapidly growing Base ecosystem. By offering hands-on learning experiences, curated curricula and industry-led workshops, the programme aims to equip developers with real-world skills that align with global industry requirements. For students in government colleges and regional tech hubs, this opens the door to advanced blockchain education that was previously difficult to access.
Cybersecurity readiness forms the second cornerstone of the MoU. As cyber threats grow in complexity, the need for trained professionals—especially within government departments and law enforcement—has intensified. The partnership will address this gap through targeted training programmes designed to build foundational and advanced cyber defense capabilities. This is expected to support Karnataka’s long-term goal of enhancing digital safety across public and private ecosystems.
Beyond training and security, startup incubation is a key pillar of the initiative. By identifying promising early-stage ventures and providing them with technical guidance, mentorship and ecosystem connections, the programme aims to accelerate innovation and position Karnataka as a launchpad for blockchain entrepreneurship. With strong institutional support, the state hopes to foster startups that can contribute to India’s growing digital economy and potentially scale globally.
Overall, this partnership reflects Karnataka’s proactive approach to shaping the future of emerging technologies and safeguarding digital infrastructure. By integrating skill development, startup support and cybersecurity training into a unified initiative, the state is setting the stage for a more resilient, innovative and globally competitive tech ecosystem.
, operating under the state’s IT/BT Department, has signed an MoU with Coinbase....){kind=link}