Santosh Lad urges young Entrepreneurs’ Involvement in Policy Making and R&D While Inviting Them to Invest in Bangalore

BM TEAM

Speaking at the prestigious Invest Karnataka 2025,Labour Minister Santhosh Lad set aside his political persona to passionately advocate for Bangalore as the ultimate investment destination for young entrepreneurs.

Addressing a panel of budding entreprenuers, he underscored the state’s unique blend of infrastructure, talent, and policy synergy that makes it the ideal hub for innovation and business growth.

“Business thrives where there is opportunity, and Karnataka is brimming with it,” he emphasized. Citing the state’s dominance in education, he highlighted the number of medical, engineering, ITI, and diploma colleges in Bangalore, along with Bengaluru’s pioneering role in the IT revolution. The city’s cosmopolitan culture and welcoming people, he said, makes it an easy and attractive place for businesses to flourish.

Santhosh Lad pointed to Bangalore’s success in attracting diverse industries over the past two decades, biotechnology, IT, aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, among others. He reinforced that the city has always been open to new ideas and investments, urging entrepreneurs from across India and the world to make Bengaluru their business home.

Shifting focus to the challenges of inclusive growth, he stressed the need for policy-driven solutions in low-income housing and financial access for underprivileged students. “Education loans remain inaccessible to many bright students from poor backgrounds. If we do not invest in human capital and research, how will we build the nation?” he questioned, urging financial leaders to step up and bridge this gap.

Lad also highlighted the brain drain challenge and the need for robust investments in research and development. “We have 54% of our population as youth. Yet, startups struggle to scale due to lack of funding. A ‘Fund of Funds’ initiative, with contributions from state, central governments, and venture capital firms, could ensure sustained startup growth within India.”

Ending on a high note, he called upon investors to demand policy reforms that foster an ecosystem where businesses and governments work in synergy. “Karnataka has the blueprint for success. Now, it’s time for young investors to seize the opportunity and build the future here.”

With Karnataka’s business-friendly environment and Lad’s clarion call for collaborative investment, the state remains poised to be India’s next major economic powerhouse.