The 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), Asia’s largest technology conclave, is set to take place from November 19-21, 2024, at the historic Bangalore Palace. This pivotal event is organized by the Government of Karnataka's Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology, and co-hosted by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). Here, industry giants, innovators, and policymakers will showcase groundbreaking advancements and cultivate global partnerships.
Shri Priyank Kharge, the Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, unveiled the summit’s focus during a recent press conference. This year's theme, "Unbound," symbolizes Karnataka's vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. Kharge emphasized this spirit, stating, "BTS 2024 embodies this spirit, breaking boundaries and redefining possibilities. It’s a platform where transformative ideas converge, leading to groundbreaking advancements and global partnerships. I encourage everyone to join us and experience the unbound energy shaping our future."
Shri Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, will inaugurate the summit alongside his Deputy, Shri D.K. Shivakumar, and Minister Kharge. International dignitaries, such as Dr. Anna Christmann from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and Ms. Alexandra Dublanche from Paris Region, are slated to attend. Industry leaders, including Shri Santhosh Kumar (MD, Texas Instruments India) and Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Founder, Biocon), also highlight the summit's lineup.
One of the notable features of the inaugural event will be the signing of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Switzerland and Finland, among others. This is aimed at enhancing global collaboration across various tech domains.
Global Delegations and High-Profile Participation
BTS 2024 is expected to host delegations from over 15 countries, including Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Israel, and the USA. These delegations will consist of policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators, fostering connections and nurturing collaboration across borders.
Diverse Conference Tracks
The summit will feature six dynamic conference tracks, each addressing various sectors:
- IT, DeepTech & Trends
- Biotech & HealthTech
- Startup Ecosystem
- Global Innovation Alliance
- India-USA Tech Conclave
- Electro-Semicon (newly introduced)
The summit’s speaker lineup includes influential figures such as Rishad Premji from Wipro, Dr. S. Somanath from ISRO, and Anne Neuberger from The White House, aiming to spark discussions and share insights on the future of technology.
The Global Collaborations track will present sessions curated by partner countries from the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) on World Stage 1. The India-USA Tech Conclave will focus on U.S.-India tech collaborations, exploring AI's impact across various fields, such as agriculture and logistics.
Strategic Roundtable Meetings
The summit will also host strategic roundtable meetings featuring invited international government representatives, corporates, startups, and policymakers. Topics will include AI/GovTech, where startups will showcase their innovative solutions aimed at reshaping governance and addressing key challenges. Another roundtable will focus on creating connections between industry, academia, and research & development sectors, involving renowned universities like Johns Hopkins and Stanford.
International Exhibition
The International Exhibition at BTS 2024 will feature several focused pavilions, showcasing innovations from corporate sectors, R&D institutions, and universities. Notable exhibitors include Kyndryl, Biocon, Intel, and various universities such as IISc Bangalore and IITs. Exhibitors will present groundbreaking technologies from countries like Australia, Russia, and Germany, among others.
The Startup Pavilion is particularly noteworthy for startups showcasing cutting-edge products and solutions across diverse sectors including Healthtech, Agritech, and Edutech. BTS 2024 promises significant participation from startups, with over 2,500 attendees expected. Key initiatives will support this growth:
- Startup Springboard, focusing on investor and mentor connectivity
- Founder’s Stage with influential speakers
- Startup Conclave featuring voices like Nuseir Yassin, founder of Nas Daily
- Product Launch Arena for over 50 startups
The BTS Innovation Dome
A highlight of BTS 2024 will be the BTS Innovation Dome, where special programs, workshops, and product launches will take place. The summit will honor excellence with prestigious awards like the STPI IT Export Awards and the Smart Bio Awards.
Young researchers and students will also receive recognition through initiatives like the "Bio Posters-Walkway of Discovery," providing them with the chance to showcase their innovative concepts and ideas. This focus on education and innovation ensures BTS 2024 is not just limited to industry leaders, but also nurtures the next generation of tech pioneers.
With its remarkable lineup of speakers, global participation, and diverse program tracks, the 2024 Bengaluru Tech Summit is poised to be a landmark event for technology and innovation. The emphasis on collaboration across international borders highlights Karnataka's commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancement and excellence.
