New Jersey Signs Sister State MOU With State of Karnataka

Agreement Will Drive Technological Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship Collaborations

Bengaluru, India – As part of Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to India, Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, facilitated a Sister State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New Jersey Department of State and the State of Karnataka, India’s technology hub known for its thriving startup and innovation ecosystem. The agreement, signed by Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, will strengthen collaboration in technological innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.

“New Jersey and Karnataka are both powerhouses of innovation, with thriving technology and life sciences sectors that shape the future of our economies,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This partnership will create new opportunities for trade, deepen collaboration in technology, and promote innovation, while reinforcing the strong economic and cultural ties between our regions.”

Under the terms of the MOU, the two governments will support startups in sectors such as life sciences, technology, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and electronics and semiconductors, providing soft-landing opportunities and guidance for market expansion in each region. 

“It is an honor to formalize this sister state agreement with Karnataka, a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “Having signed the Letter of Intent during my visit to India a few months ago, I am delighted to see this agreement come to light. This agreement strengthens the bridge between our regions and sets the stage for a future of shared success.” 

“Karnataka state has long been a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka. “By partnering with New Jersey, we can expand opportunities for startups, strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies, and create lasting connections between our ecosystems that will drive growth and progress in both regions.”

The partnership fosters collaboration across technological ecosystems, connecting industry, academia, and government. The MOU, which will remain in effect for two years with the option to renew, symbolizes a commitment from both governments to creating a dynamic, globally integrated ecosystem that supports emerging tech companies and fosters sustainable economic growth.

“New Jersey and India share deep economic and cultural ties that drive success among the world’s fastest-growing industries,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “This partnership allows New Jersey to remain at the forefront of innovation in life sciences and technology, where increased collaboration will bolster our world-class talent pool and meet global demand for research and emerging technologies.”

To view the full MOU, click here.

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey India economic mission may contact Tyler Jones ([email protected]) and Ingrid Austin ([email protected]) or visit choosenj.com/IndiaMission2025 for additional details.

About Choose New Jersey, Inc.

Choose New Jersey is the State’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.