Bengaluru: Bengaluru is poised to add another milestone to its reputation as India’s startup capital with the launch of Startup Park, a project of iQUE Ventures. The park, to be inaugurated by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on November 7th, is designed as an integrated innovation hub for startups from various sectors.
Startup Park: A one-stop ecosystem for founders. Located on Hosur Road in Koramangala, Startup Park is the vision of Shafi Shaukat, Chairman and CEO of iQUE Ventures. Shafi Shaukat is also the founder of the initiative.
It aims to support over 10,000 startups over the next six years, while creating 100,000 jobs and attracting approximately ₹50,000 crore in investment to the state.
Addressing the media, Shaukath said, “Bengaluru has always been the heartbeat of India’s startup story.” He further added, “Our next leap will come not through isolated efforts, but through an integrated ecosystem. Startup Park is Karnataka’s growth engine. Our mission is to empower founders and establish Bengaluru as a global capital of innovation.” The facility will provide incubation, acceleration, mentorship, access to funding, global networking, and branding services.
All under one roof. It includes specialized areas such as a Startup School, Investor Studio, Pitch Lab, Global Connect Lounge, and Mentorship Hub. In addition, there are creative and wellness spaces such as a podcast studio, fabrication lab, and wellness zone.
Startup TV will amplify the voices of entrepreneurs; inclusive entrepreneurship for Karnataka’s future: “Our goal is not only to create startups, but also to tell their stories.” “Startup TV will bring India’s innovators to the forefront and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.” Startup Park has also been developed with the aim of decentralizing opportunities.
The aim is to expand resources beyond Bengaluru to other districts in Karnataka, where startups often face challenges such as limited access to vendors, funding, or guidance.
Indumati Murthy, CEO of the incubation department at the Startup Park, emphasized this approach to inclusivity. “We are creating an environment that prioritizes ideas and entrepreneurial spirit over financial background or degrees. Anyone with a dream can come here and create something new.” The Startup Park’s selection criteria focus less on qualifications and more on individuals’ motivation and potential.
Shoukath said the park will not impose any barriers to corporate entry or prioritize traditional criteria. “We focus on understanding the potential of an idea and its readiness. It’s not about where a person is from, but where they want to go,” he said. By supporting founders from all backgrounds, the park aims to remove barriers such as financial concerns or lack of infrastructure. Shaukat added, “By providing entrepreneurs with a free space, a free mindset, and a strong ecosystem, we want to help build the next big companies right here in Karnataka.”
In line with the state government’s goal of making Karnataka a global innovation hub, the Startup Park aims to redefine the startup ecosystem and make “Built in Karnataka” a global symbol of creativity and entrepreneurship. The park is more than just a physical location. It is a movement towards building a sustainable and inclusive startup culture in India.
