The Karnataka government signs a letter of intent (LoI) with the New Jersey Department of State to improve cooperation with the US state in technology, innovation, and economic development.

A framework for this will be established soon between the two states.

The agreement will focus on a twin-city collaboration between Bengaluru and New Brunswick in New Jersey and seek to promote startup ecosystem engagement. It will also aim to develop programs in both regions to support this vision.

Technological collaboration will be another key area that will advance sectors such as life sciences, deep technologies (cybersecurity, AI), and electronics

Department of IT-BT secretary Ekroop Caur says, “This partnership with New Jersey is a significant milestone in Karnataka’s mission to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation. We are excited about this collaboration's opportunities, particularly in technology, startups, and key sectors like AI and electronics.”

This collaboration is aligned with Karnataka’s Global Innovation Alliances (GIA) initiative, which seeks to build international partnerships to promote knowledge-sharing and accelerate innovation across borders.

Karnataka has proposed establishing a sister city corridor between Bengaluru and San Francisco to boost collaborations in innovation, entrepreneurship, and trade between these cities.

The U.S. Ambassador gave him the assurance that the establishment of a U.S. consulate in Bengaluru would be given top priority. Mr. Kharge expected that this would improve visa availability for students from Karnataka and South India and generate employment prospects for Kannadigas.