Karnataka is poised to redefine its role as India’s innovation powerhouse with the launch of three transformative policies—IT, Startup, and Space Technology—at the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, kicking off November 18-20 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). As Asia’s premier technology and innovation event enters its 28th edition under the theme “Futurise,” the state government aims to solidify Bengaluru’s status as a global deeptech hub. With over 50,000 visitors, 600 speakers, 1,000 exhibitors, and 1,000 investors from 60+ countries, BTS 2025 promises 80+ sessions and 5,000 B2B meetings, catalyzing collaborations in AI, semiconductors, biotech, and spacetech. Amid a startup ecosystem boasting 18,300 ventures and 875 Global Capability Centres, these policies signal Karnataka’s bold bid to nurture 25,000 new startups and attract $10 billion in investments by 2030—will they propel the state to the forefront of India’s $155 billion tech economy, or falter under execution pressures?
The IT Policy 2025, a revamp of the 2022 framework, allocates ₹1,000 crore to accelerate digital transformation, emphasizing AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. It introduces incentives like 100% reimbursement on SGST for five years and land subsidies for data centers, targeting 20,000 jobs in emerging tech. Startup Policy 2025-30, approved on November 6 with a ₹518.27 crore outlay, focuses on inclusivity, aiming to birth 25,000 startups—10,000 outside Bengaluru—through cluster development in hubs like Mysuru and Hubballi. It offers ₹50 lakh seed grants via the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) and equity funding for women-led ventures, aligning with Startup India’s ₹945 crore seed fund. The Space Technology Policy 2024-29, unveiled in draft at BTS 2024, earmarks ₹500 crore for infrastructure, including manufacturing clusters and PPP testing facilities, to skill 5,000 professionals—1,500 women—and capture 10% of India’s $8 billion space market.
BTS 2025, organized by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and Science & Technology with STPI, amplifies this momentum through 10 conference tracks: IT & DeepTech, Electro-Semicon, AI Universe, Defence & SpaceTech, DigiHealth & Biotech, Global Collaboration, Finverse, Women in Leadership, Academia-Industry Connect, and My Planet, My Future (climate tech). Highlights include the Future Makers Conclave with speakers like Ankur Warikoo, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India’s first ISS astronaut), Sania Mirza, and Zepto co-founder Kaivalya Vohra; Investor Connect for 1,000+ pitches; and Mentor Connect for one-on-one guidance. The exhibition, spanning 1 lakh sq ft, features 1,200 stalls sponsored for 150 MSMEs by STPI, alongside awards like IT Export and Elevate Startup Ecosystem.
Karnataka’s Vision Groups—IT & Electronics, Biotechnology, and Startups—steer this charge, with leaders like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw advocating policy-industry synergy. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized: “From India’s first IT policy in 1997 to quantum roadmaps in 2024, Karnataka pioneers progress.” Minister Priyank Kharge added: “These steps consolidate our deeptech capital status, with 44% of national software exports and half the AI talent.” Global Innovation Alliance meets with 35+ countries underscore international ties, including US-India tech conclaves.
Challenges abound: 40% rural digital divides demand vernacular tools, while funding skews metros (60%). Strategies: Leverage SISFS for ₹50 lakh PoCs; ESG bonds at 7% yields de-risk; SHG pilots yield 3x adoption. As BTS 2025 unfolds, Karnataka’s triple launch could unlock $50 billion GDP, greening innovation. Isolate? Only if silos stifle synergy. With G20’s global gaze, India’s Silicon Valley doesn’t just summit—it soars.
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