Bengaluru is once again the center of technological innovation as the 2024 Bengaluru Tech Summit kicked off from November 19 to 21 at the grand Bangalore Palace. The 27th edition of this prominent event, organized by the Karnataka government, showcased the theme “Technology Without Limits,” aiming to push the boundaries of innovation and collaboration on both national and international fronts.
The summit was inaugurated by Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who emphasized the state's commitment to advancing technological innovation and sustainable growth. Alongside him were Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and various dignitaries, including Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT, Biotechnology, and Rural Development. The opening ceremony was marked by unique demonstrations, including one by Gravity Industries, which featured 23-year-old Issa Kalfon showcasing his flying suit with mini-jet engines—a clear nod to the summit's focus on groundbreaking technological advancements.
One of the key highlights of this year's summit was the Nipuna Karnataka initiative, aimed at skilling up to 100,000 individuals and boosting Karnataka's workforce to be globally competitive. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted, "Karnataka is dedicated to promoting local talent to work on global platforms." Through strategic partnerships with tech giants such as Microsoft, Intel, and Accenture, the government is seeking to equip its workforce with the skills necessary for high-demand sectors, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Forging Global Partnerships
The summit highlighted Karnataka's commitment to building substantial global alliances. To this end, the Ambassador Roundtable was convened, with discussions focused on strategic collaborations for skill development and investments. This roundtable attracted ambassadors and consul generals from 15 countries, including Denmark, France, the USA, and newcomers like South Korea and Tunisia, all emphasizing opportunities for academic innovation.
Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, moderated the discussions. She asserted, "Karnataka’s growth story hinges on international collaboration—by strengthening our ties globally, we are enhancing our innovation ecosystem and sustainable economic development.”
The roundtable concentrated on three primary areas: creating global skill hubs to address skills gaps, presenting Karnataka's investor-friendly policies, and developing academic and research collaborations. The call for joint projects and student exchanges aims to drive innovation and provide global exposure to local institutions.
The Centre of Excellence
Another pivotal announcement at the summit was the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, set to be developed at the IIT Alumni Center Bangalore. This center aims to bolster research and development efforts, supporting local startups through access to mentorship, investor networks, and facilities for prototype development.
The government’s emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity was evident as it sought to align international collaborations with broader economic goals for resilience and social equity. Both local and global stakeholders actively engaged to create pathways for technological progress and harmonious partnerships.
Networking and Showcasing Innovations
With over 700 exhibitors and expected attendance exceeding 50,000, the summit became the perfect venue for showcasing advancements across multiple sectors. The themed pavilions highlighted innovations from biotechnology, space technology, mobility solutions, and more. Exhibitors took advantage of the event to launch new products and services amid the vibrant atmosphere created by enthusiastic visitors.
The BTS Innovation Dome served as another avenue for groundbreaking ideas, giving startups the chance to present their inventions and solutions to potential investors and partners.
Comments from guests and participants reflected the summit’s dynamic nature and its role as a breeding ground for innovation. Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, distinguished speaker at the summit, noted, "This tech summit showcases Tamil Nadu's leadership through collaboration and innovation, encouraging the alignment of technology with sustainable practices and social impact," supporting the universal drive for tech-led economic growth.
Key Announcements and Initiatives
Alongside the Nipuna program, the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 also unveiled India’s first Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy, aiming to boost global cooperation. This strategic development can significantly improve how Indian cities are integrated within the global tech supply chain, making them preferred locations for multinational corporations.
The Startup Springboard initiative received commendations for its ambition to empower early-stage companies through targeted support facilities and industry connections. This platform emphasizes fostering entrepreneurial talent, focusing on investor connections and mentor-mentee approaches to guide promising startups to success.
The overall sentiment at BTS 2024 encapsulated a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and growth. The summit reiterated Karnataka’s ambition to become a leading global hub for technology and innovation—a place where ideas transform not only local economies but also have ripple effects across the world.
With the summit’s concluding remarks echoing commitment and collaborative spirit, it remains clear: the Bengaluru Tech Summit continues to be at the forefront of technological progress, championing strategic partnerships, thriving ecosystems, and sustainable innovations.
