Bangalore: Two research institutions based in Switzerland and Germany would set up centre of excellence in microelectronics and applying information technology to non- IT sectors in Bangalore, envisaging an investment of about Rs 40 crore, a senior Karnataka government official said on June 13.

Commissioner for industrial development and director, industries and commerce G Gurucharan said that the Swiss Centre for Microelectronics would establish a centre of excellence in microelectronics in collaboration with the state government.

Gurucharan, who addressed a national seminar on "Riding High in the Next Global Wave of Knowledge Industry: A strategic vision of the Indian technology (R&D) industry", told reporters Franhaufer Institute would set up a centre of excellence for applying IT to non-IT sectors such as manufacturing, garments and food-processing.

A memorandum of understanding ( MoU) has already been signed by the Institute, Greater Mysore Chamber of Industry and government of Karnataka in this regard, he said.

Gurucharan expected the two centres to be up-and-running in the next three months, adding, investment for them is going to be definitely about Rs 20 crore each.

PTI c