Karnataka's tech capital, Bengaluru, is set to shine once again with the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, where innovation is not just encouraged; it's the core theme. The 27th edition of the summit will kick off on November 19 and run through November 21 at the Bengaluru Palace, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slated to inaugurate the event.
This year's summit is being organized by the state’s Department of Electronics, IT, and BT, elevates the chosen theme of 'Breaking Boundaries' to 'Unbound,' which reflects the ever-evolving nature of technology and its limitless potential to reshape our world.
Australia proudly takes the spotlight as the official country partner for the event. This partnership aims to create a much-needed global dialogue among various tech leaders and enthusiasts. The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, will join CM Siddaramaiah and several distinguished international dignitaries to welcome delegates, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe.
A significant aspect of the inaugural ceremony is the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Switzerland and Finland, as well as a Letter of Intent with the Sharjah Innovation Authority from the UAE. These agreements aim to deepen partnerships and collaborative efforts on various tech initiatives, emphasizing Karnataka’s commitment to fostering global ties.
Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized the summit's role as a platform where innovative ideas converge, stating, "This year, Bengaluru Tech Summit takes on the theme of being unbound, embracing the spirit of breaking boundaries and redefining what's possible." He highlighted Karnataka’s ambition to continue its reign as a hub for technological excellence and innovation, underlining how the state is unwavering in its resolve to adapt and lead.
More than just discussions, BTS 2024 is laying out the red carpet for over 2,500 startups, who will find numerous opportunities to network, pitch their ideas, and connect with potential investors. This indicates the summit's ambition to boost the startup ecosystem significantly. Entrepreneurs and innovators from all corners of India and abroad will gather to ideate, collaborate, and create the next wave of technological advancements.
A highlight of the summit will be the keynote speech delivered by Nuseir Yassin, known as "Nas Daily," whose digital storytelling prowess has taken social media by storm. His insights on storytelling and digital branding are expected to resonate with the audience, providing fresh perspectives on engaging the global community.
Alongside Nas Daily, the lineup of speakers is impressive. Noteworthy figures include Piyush Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart; Prashanth Prakash from Accel Partners; Ashish Hemrajani from BookMyShow; Michael Langer of T.Rx Capital; and Aravind Sanka of Rapido, among many others. Their contributions promise to enrich the experience for participants who seek to glean wisdom from seasoned professionals who have navigated the complex waters of the tech industry.
The three-day agenda is packed with high-impact events and talks primarily centered around exciting tech fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Space, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Healthtech, and Agritech. A dedicated Startup Track will take place on the Founder's Stage, offering engaging discussions and workshops aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within participants.
The Startup Track will hold a Startup Conclave on the final day, bringing together vibrant voices from the industry — founders, leaders, and investors — to dissect the latest trends and challenges, creating invaluable insights for all involved. This emphasizes BTS 2024 as not merely as event but as a fertile ground for the ideas of tomorrow.
On another note, the event will celebrate the contributions of incubators and accelerators which play pivotal roles in shaping India's dynamic startup ecosystem. The Ecosystem Enabler Awards will be presented during the valedictory session to recognize those who have significantly impacted the startup community, underscoring the importance of collaboration and support within the ecosystem.
All eyes are on Bengaluru as it prepares to host this grand assembly of bright minds and ambitious tech enthusiasts. With every intention to break traditional barriers and redefine what’s possible, the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 promises to be more than just another tech gathering; it aims to be a revolutionary gathering fostering innovation, collaboration, and unprecedented growth.
