Bengaluru: Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday inaugurated a Technology Centre (TC) at Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district, aiming to train about 10,000 people annually in advanced technical skills.The centre, developed by the Ministry of MSME at an investment of Rs 156 crore on 10 acres provided by the Karnataka government, will focus on Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM). It will offer training, technology development, design, prototyping, testing and production support to MSMEs.Karandlaje also announced that the next Technology Centre in Karnataka will be established in Belagavi at a cost of Rs 178 crore.“The centre will serve as a hub for training, manufacturing and nurturing young talent,” the MoS said, adding that the ministry’s network of Technology Centres was helping develop industry-oriented skills among young people.She encouraged students and young innovators to pursue entrepreneurship and startups, and said the ministry was working to equip them with skills aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.Karandlaje said the MSME sector, after agriculture, was a major contributor to the Indian economy and stressed the need to strengthen its contribution to economic growth.The Bengaluru centre has been equipped with advanced machines and laboratories, including a Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) line, additive manufacturing facilities, CNC 5-axis and 3-axis machines and Electric Discharge Machines (EDM).Bharat Khera, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, highlighted the recent amendments to the MSMED Act, 2026, aimed at providing further benefits to MSMEs. He said the Bengaluru Technology Centre would play a significant role in developing industry-ready skills.Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, said more than 9.4 crore MSMEs were registered across the country, contributing 31% to the Indian economy and generating employment for more than 41.6 crore people.He highlighted government initiatives such as the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) and the Credit Guarantee Scheme to improve MSMEs’ access to finance and technology.The Bengaluru centre is the latest addition to the ministry’s nationwide network of Technology Centres. Rajneesh said it would provide advanced design, prototyping, production, training and consultancy services, particularly to MSMEs in electronics and aerospace.The centre is expected to support technology adoption, improve competitiveness and nurture skilled talent, while creating employment opportunities and supporting sustainable livelihoods in Karnataka and beyond.The ministry operates Technology Centres across India to provide industry-grade training to youth and technological, production and advisory support to MSMEs.