The foundation stone for the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Technology cum Common Facility Centre was laid at Peenya Industrial Area in Bengaluru in a ceremony attended by the Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the Minister of State, the Secretary to the Ministry of MSME, senior officials, industry representatives, bankers and entrepreneurs. The project was presented as a strategic boost to Karnataka's MSME ecosystem and manufacturing sector and as an effort to enhance regional competitiveness and employment opportunities. The centre is being established by the National Small Industries Corporation with support from the Ministry of MSME to strengthen technology access, testing capabilities, skilling and innovation for firms in the region. It will provide material testing laboratories, technology enabled common facilities, skilling and training infrastructure and incubation support under one roof. Officials said the facility is intended to help enterprises adopt advanced technologies, improve product quality and raise productivity. The Minister of State noted that Peenya, as one of the country's largest industrial clusters, requires advanced institutional support to meet evolving technological needs and that the proposed centre will act as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, skilling and industrial growth in Karnataka and neighbouring regions. The Secretary to the Ministry reiterated the focus on technology upgradation, digital transformation and innovation led growth of MSMEs and the need for integrated support services. The proposed facility at Peenya is estimated to cost around Rs 460 mn and will house advanced material testing laboratories, technology enabled common facilities, skilling and training infrastructure and innovation support services. The design is described to encompass Industry 4.0 solutions, advanced drone applications and industrial automation infrastructure to assist firms in upgrading processes. Industry associations and stakeholders welcomed the initiative and officials said the centre is expected to contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.