# 34 leading research institutes in Karnataka

Tamtam tracks 34 research institutes headquartered in Karnataka. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Indian Institute of Science (IISc), ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization and ISRO. Their median headcount is 596. Half of them were founded in 1985 or later. The most common headquarters are Bengaluru (23).

Research institutes in Karnataka primarily focus on higher education, research services, and defense and space manufacturing. These organizations range from long-established universities and national research bodies to newer private institutions. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) leads in advanced scientific research, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) specializes in space technology for national development. Manipal Academy of Higher Education offers diverse academic and healthcare services, and NIMHANS, Bangalore, focuses on mental health and neurosciences.

A clear pattern is the concentration of these institutions in Bengaluru, which hosts a significant number of the largest research entities in the region. Other significant locations include Manipal, Mysore, Belagavi, and Mangalore, indicating a broader distribution of educational and research hubs across the state.

🇮🇳 Karnataka · 34 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Indian Institute of Science (IISc)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/indian-institute-of-science-iisc) (iisc.ac.in)<br>A leading institute in India for advanced scientific and technological research, offering various programs and promoting interdisciplinary research for societal impact | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 7,413 | 1909 |
| 2 | [ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/isro-indian-space-research-organization) (isro.gov.in)<br>A pioneering organization harnessing space technology for national development, conducting space research and exploration, and maintaining a large fleet of satellites | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 5,307 | 1969 |
| 3 | [ISRO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/isro) (isro.gov.in)<br>Specializing in space technology, this organization focuses on developing and applying innovative solutions for various national requirements | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 4,408 | 1969 |
| 4 | [Manipal Academy of Higher Education](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/manipal-academy-of-higher-education) (manipal.edu)<br>Leading higher education institution offering innovative teaching, research, and healthcare services with a global focus, recognized for excellence and placement opportunities | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Manipal | 3,149 | 1953 |
| 5 | [REVA University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/reva-university) (reva.edu.in)<br>A state private university in Bengaluru offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines along with corporate training and research degrees | Education Administration Programs | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 2,016 | 2004 |
| 6 | [University of Mysore](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-mysore) (uni-mysore.ac.in)<br>The University of Mysore promotes teaching and research in arts, sciences, and professional disciplines, offering a wide range of academic programs | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Mysore | 1,424 |  |
| 7 | [Aeronautical Development Agency](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/aeronautical-development-agency) (ada.gov.in)<br>Nodal agency for design & development of LCA, partnering with HAL, DRDO, CSIR labs, industries, and academic institutions to support defense R&D | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 1,251 |  |
| 8 | [Visvesvaraya Technological University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/visvesvaraya-technological-university) (vtu.ac.in)<br>A leading Technological University in India offering engineering education, research, and innovation to fulfill the needs of industries Affiliated with numerous colleges | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Belagavi | 1,065 | 1998 |
| 9 | [Azim Premji University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/azim-premji-university) (azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in)<br>A philanthropic university offering postgraduate, undergraduate, and diploma programs in education, development, economics, law, and interdisciplinary studies with a focus on social impact | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 844 | 2010 |
| 10 | [CSIR - National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/csir-national-aerospace-laboratories-nal) (nal.res.in)<br>Leading aerospace research organization in India focused on developing civilian aircraft, conducting advanced aerospace research, and collaborating with key government agencies | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 747 | 1959 |
| 11 | [NIMHANS, Bangalore](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nimhans-bangalore) (nimhans.ac.in)<br>A multidisciplinary institute for patient care, academic pursuits, and cutting-edge research in the fields of mental health and neurosciences | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 709 | 1974 |
| 12 | [JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/jss-academy-of-higher-education-and-research) (jssuni.edu.in)<br>A leading deemed university in Mysore offering medical, dental, pharmacy, and health sciences education with a focus on research and cutting-edge healthcare practices | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Mysore | 706 | 2008 |
| 13 | [Yenepoya Medical College](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yenepoya-medical-college) (yenepoya.edu.in)<br>Yenepoya Medical College is a higher education institution in Mangalore, Karnataka, India, affiliated with Yenepoya University, focusing on medical education | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Mangalore | 656 |  |
| 14 | [National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-institute-of-mental-health-and-neuro-sciences) (nimhans.kar.nic.in)<br>A leading institute in mental health and neuro sciences, offering patient care, academic pursuit, and research with a multidisciplinary approach | Mental Health Care | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 647 | 1925 |
| 15 | [National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), India](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-institute-of-mental-health-and-neuro-sciences-nimhans-india) (nimhans.co.in)<br>A multidisciplinary institute specializing in patient care, academic pursuits, and cutting-edge research in the fields of mental health and neurosciences | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 641 |  |
| 16 | [Mangalore University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mangalore-university) (mangaloreuniversity.ac.in)<br>A public state government university in Mangalore, offering higher education with modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and essential facilities for students and staff | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Mangalore | 609 | 1980 |
| 17 | [U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/u-r-rao-satellite-centre-ursc-isro) (ursc.gov.in)<br>Leading center of ISRO developing complex satellites for communication, navigation, remote sensing, and scientific missions, with a focus on cost-effective space infrastructure for society | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 596 | 1976 |
| 18 | [International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/international-institute-of-information-technology-bangalore) (iiitb.ac.in)<br>A premier institute in Bangalore offering post-graduate IT education, cutting-edge research facilities, industry collaborations, and excellent placement records since 1998 | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 586 | 1998 |
| 19 | [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/indian-space-research-organisation-isro) (isro.gov.in)<br>A national space agency overseeing research, development, space operations, exploration, international cooperation, and technology development for the government of India | Space Research and Technology | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 575 |  |
| 20 | [St Johns Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-johns-research-institute) (stjohns.in)<br>Dedicated to excellence in medical research and capacity development for improving community and patient health in India | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 497 | 2004 |
| 21 | [KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kle-academy-of-higher-education-and-research) (kaher.edu.in)<br>A higher education institute in India offering top medical education, research, and healthcare services through a renowned medical college and hospital | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Belgaum | 484 |  |
| 22 | [Nitte University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nitte-university) (nitte.edu.in)<br>A prestigious institution offering top-notch education and healthcare services through diverse programs, recognized for academic excellence and community impact | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Mangaluru | 475 | 2008 |
| 23 | [Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/swami-vivekananda-yoga-anusandhana-samsthana) (svyasa.edu.in)<br>A renowned yoga university specializing in yoga research and therapy, with a strong focus on scientific validation, publications, and health treatments | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 469 |  |
| 24 | [St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-john-s-national-academy-of-health-sciences) (stjohns.in)<br>This organization operates a large hospital with 1350 beds that provides tertiary care services to patients | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 462 |  |
| 25 | [DRDO, Centre for Airborne Systems](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/drdo-centre-for-airborne-systems) (drdo.gov.in)<br>Research and development organization specializing in defense technology and innovations | Airlines and Aviation | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 444 | 1985 |
| 26 | [National Law School of India University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-law-school-of-india-university) (nls.ac.in)<br>India's premier university for legal education offering top-ranked law programs including LLB, LLM, MPP, and PhD with online options available | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 429 | 1986 |
| 27 | [CSIR−Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/csir-central-food-technological-research-institute-cftri) (cftri.res.in)<br>A research institute specializing in food science and technology, focusing on engineering, technology development, research, and food protection and safety | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Mysuru | 420 |  |
| 28 | [National Centre for Biological Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-centre-for-biological-sciences) (ncbs.res.in)<br>A premier research institute focusing on fundamental biology research, offering necessary facilities and housing for students, faculty, and visitors | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 415 | 1992 |
| 29 | [University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-agricultural-sciences-raichur) (uasraichur.edu.in)<br>A public university in Raichur dedicated to the study and research of agricultural sciences, established by the Government of Karnataka | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Raichur | 386 | 2009 |
| 30 | [CMTI - Central Manufacturing Technology Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cmti-central-manufacturing-technology-institute) (cmti.res.in)<br>An autonomous research institute providing technology solutions, design, and development for the manufacturing sector in India | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 338 | 1962 |
| 31 | [Raman Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/raman-research-institute) (rri.res.in)<br>A premier research institution in Bangalore, India, conducting cutting edge research in Physics with a focus on Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Quantum Technologies | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 317 | 1948 |
| 32 | [Prayoga](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/prayoga) (prayoga.org.in)<br>A non-profit education research organization focused on improving school-level learning quality and utility to drive societal transformation | Research Services | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 310 | 2015 |
| 33 | [Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/visvesvaraya-technological-university-vtu) (vtu.ac.in)<br>A public state university in Karnataka, offering affiliations to engineering and technology colleges, providing opportunities for engineering and management students | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Belagavi | 202 |  |
| 34 | [Bangalore Medical Services Trust](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bangalore-medical-services-trust) (bmstindia.org)<br>A not-for-profit trust provides blood banking, laboratory facilities, training, and research services Recognized for excellence and accredited by NABH | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Bengaluru | 42 | 1984 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Karnataka

- [The largest companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-karnataka) (2,315)
- [Multinational companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-karnataka) (459)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-karnataka) (274)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-karnataka) (271)
- [Manufacturers in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-karnataka) (270)
- [Education providers in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-karnataka-india) (261)
- [IT services companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-karnataka) (246)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-karnataka) (236)
- [AI companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ai-companies-karnataka) (169)
- [Professional services firms in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-karnataka) (161)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-karnataka) (154)
- [Retail chains in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-karnataka) (154)
- [Software Development companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-karnataka) (142)
- [Financial Services companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-karnataka) (138)
- [SaaS companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-karnataka) (137)
- [E-commerce companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-karnataka) (111)
- [Consulting firms in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-karnataka) (110)
- [Venture-backed startups in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/venture-backed-startups-karnataka) (108)
- [Financial services firms in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-karnataka) (102)
- [Education Administration Programs companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-administration-programs-companies-karnataka) (93)
- [Technology, Information and Internet companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/technology-information-and-internet-companies-karnataka) (90)
- [Publicly traded companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-karnataka) (90)
- [Higher Education companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-karnataka) (89)
- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Karnataka](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-karnataka) (78)

## The same list elsewhere in India

- [Research institutes in India](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-india) (372)
- [Research institutes in Maharashtra](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-maharashtra) (43)
- [Research institutes in Tamil Nadu](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-tamil-nadu) (35)
- [Research institutes in Uttar Pradesh](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-uttar-pradesh) (31)
- [Research institutes in New Delhi](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-new-delhi) (34)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Asia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-asia) (853)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-karnataka