Karnataka backs Apple startup accelerator in Bengaluru

Karnataka on Thursday assured Apple Inc full support in setting up its first application design and development accelerator in this tech hub.

"On behalf of the state government, I assure you full cooperation and support to the Apple startup accelerator," Large & Medium Industry Minister R.V.Deshpande said in a letter to Apple chief executive Tom Cook, who is currently visiting India.

Noting that the startup would give Indian IT professionals a boost to be part of Apple's global programme and innovation, he said he was looking forward to the US multinational technology firm to make more investments in India, especially in Karnataka.

Expressing disappointment over Cook skipping Bengaluru during his current visit, Deshpande hoped the chief executive would first land in the tech city during his next visit and then go to other parts of the country.

"I look forward meeting you during your next visit to Bengaluru. Alternatively, I will be happy to meet you at your convenience," he said in the letter.

Cook, who is on a maiden four-day visit to India, arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday and flew to Hyderabad on Thursday to inaugurate the tech giant's development centre, which will focus on developing maps for Apple products -- iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.

Later in the evening, Cook flew to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Green Park stadium in the city at the invitation of IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla.

Cook will visit Delhi and Gurgaon on Friday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

--IANS

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