BENGALURU, Oct. 15: Karnataka took a significant step towards becoming a global higher education hub with the inauguration of the University of Liverpool’s first campus in South India at Alembic City, Whitefield, Bengaluru, on Thursday.
The campus was inaugurated by Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil, along with University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Tim Jones, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and British Council India Country Director Alison Barrett.
Addressing the gathering, M.B. Patil said the initiative was the outcome of discussions held with the Russell Group of universities during his investment roadshow in London in November 2024. He noted that the campus had become a reality within just two years, describing it as a landmark achievement that would enable students in Karnataka to pursue globally recognised education without leaving the State.
Patil acknowledged the contributions of former British Deputy High Commissioner Chandru Iyer, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tariq Ali, and others who played a key role in making the project a reality.
Highlighting Karnataka’s educational and innovation ecosystem, the Minister said the State has 2.7 million higher education students, over 4,500 colleges, and produces nearly 160,000 engineering graduates annually. Karnataka is also home to more than 24,000 start-ups and over 50 unicorn companies, making it an ideal destination for international academic collaboration.
He urged the University of Liverpool to partner with the State’s educational institutions, research organisations and industries to promote innovation, skill development and cutting-edge research.
Patil further said Karnataka offers immense opportunities for joint research in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, clean energy, urban innovation, and sustainable development, adding that such collaborations would strengthen the State’s industrial ecosystem and global competitiveness.
The Minister also revealed that more than 14 international universities have expressed interest in establishing campuses in Karnataka. Several leading Indian institutions have also signed agreements, and their campuses and research centres are expected to be established in KWIN City in the coming years. The State Government, he added, is committed to providing all necessary support to institutions investing in Karnataka’s higher education and research landscape.
