Bengaluru, March 11: Karnataka is considering introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation guidelines for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of its upcoming MSME policy, said Rohini Sindhuri, Secretary to the Government, MSME, Sugar and Textiles Department.
Speaking at the state-level stakeholder pre-consultation workshop held at KASSIA Bhavan in Bengaluru, Sindhuri said the government aims to equip local manufacturers with the tools required to face future technological and market challenges.
She noted that MSMEs account for nearly 97% of the industrial units in Karnataka and are the largest providers of employment in the state. Recognising their importance, the state government has begun drafting a dedicated MSME policy aimed at strengthening the sector.
The workshop marked the first stage of consultations, with the government planning to conduct divisional-level stakeholder meetings across different districts to gather inputs from industry representatives before finalising the policy.
Sindhuri said the new policy will place technology and innovation at its core, enabling Karnatakaโs MSMEs to remain competitive at the global level. As part of this approach, the government is exploring the possibility of introducing specific AI-based and digital operational guidelines for MSMEs.
She also called on entrepreneurs and industry bodies to actively participate in the consultation process, stating that the department is open to suggestions from stakeholders to help shape a comprehensive and forward-looking policy.
The workshop was attended by KASSIA President B.R. Ganesh Rao, MSME Department Director Dr. Satish B.C., Peenya Industrial Area President D.P. Danappa, AWAKE President Bhuvaneshwari, and several industry representatives from across the state.
