Being an international city with a thriving startup ecosystem and cross-cultural exchanges, Bengaluru is poised for further growth, expatriates say.
BENGALURU
Expatriates living and working in Bengaluru believe the city is well-positioned to emerge as one of the world’s leading technology and business centres over the next decade, powered by artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship and a skilled workforce.
Speaking at the Expat Business Council’s (EBC) June networking event, business leaders and professionals from different countries highlighted Bengaluru’s economic strength, cosmopolitan culture and startup ecosystem as key factors driving its future growth.
Chandra Arya, CEO of Acleo Strategies Inc and former Member of Parliament in Canada, described Bengaluru as a city whose economic and demographic scale rivals that of many countries.
“Bengaluru is not just a city. Its GDP and population are equal to or better than those of many nations,” Arya said. He noted that opportunities exist across a wide range of sectors, including semiconductor design, printed circuit board manufacturing, space technology and advanced engineering.
Arya also pointed to the city’s rapid geographic expansion beyond the traditional central business district. Areas such as Dobbaspet, Devanahalli, Hoskote, Chikkaballapur, Peenya, Nagasandra and Whitefield are emerging as important business and industrial hubs. “Hopefully, this expansion will happen in a sustainable and green manner,” he added.
EBC President Anna Kuhnt said Bengaluru’s appeal lies in its international outlook and ability to foster innovation through collaboration. While AI is expected to influence almost every industry, she stressed that human skills and networking would remain vital.
“Blue-collar jobs and traditional skills such as handicrafts cannot easily be replaced by AI. Human connections and networking will become even more important in the future,” she said.
However, participants also highlighted infrastructure challenges. Franco Bellillo, Chief Operating Officer of SUN Mobility, warned that traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure could slow Bengaluru’s growth if not addressed.
“Bengaluru will remain a major technology hub, but infrastructure and mobility are becoming concerns. Some companies may look to expand in cities such as Hyderabad that are investing heavily in infrastructure,” he observed.
Arya echoed similar concerns, noting that while Metro connectivity is improving, last-mile transport remains a challenge.
