Minister Priyank Kharge Reviews Preparations for Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026; Dedicated AI and Robotics Pavilion to Showcase India’s Deep-Tech Talent
* 50,000+ sq. ft. pavilion to feature humanoids, AI robots, aerial and aquatic systems, autonomous racing, startups and live demonstrations
* Nearly 101 robotics and drone startups expected to participate; BTS 2026 to be held from 17–19 November under the theme ‘AI & Beyond’
Bengaluru, September 29, 2026
Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and E-Governance, Government of Karnataka, today reviewed preparations for the 29th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2026 at a preparatory meeting with the Bengaluru Tech Summit team.
The meeting reviewed preparations for the three-day summit, including its programming, exhibition, startup participation and technology showcases. Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, and Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, IT & Bt and Managing Director, Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Government of Karnataka, were also present at the meeting.
A key highlight of the preparations is a dedicated AI and Robotics Pavilion, which will bring together India’s emerging ecosystem of robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, drones and advanced hardware.
Spanning more than 50,000 sq. ft., the pavilion is being developed in partnership with Bharat1.ai and will be designed as an immersive, experiential zone where visitors can see next-generation robotic and autonomous technologies in action.
AI and Robotics Pavilion
The pavilion will feature a range of dedicated zones and experiences, creating a comprehensive showcase of robotics research, innovation, startups and real-world applications.
These will include:
* Robotics Arena – A dedicated arena for live demonstrations and technology showcases.
* Humanoid Robot Lab Demo Zone – Featuring live demonstrations of humanoid robotic systems.
* Aerial Arena – Showcasing robotic and autonomous systems operating across air.
* AI Robot Zone – Featuring advanced and heavy-duty robotic systems and applications.
* Startup Exhibits – Providing emerging robotics and drone companies with a platform to showcase their technologies to enterprises, investors and the wider ecosystem.
* Robotics Racing Arena – Featuring robotic and autonomous racing demonstrations.
* Poster Zone – Showcasing research, technology and innovation from across the robotics ecosystem.
* Humanoid Meet & Greet – Offering visitors an interactive experience with humanoid robots.
* Demo Zone – Providing a dedicated space for live demonstrations of emerging robotics technologies and applications.
* Pitchathon Stage – Giving robotics startups and innovators an opportunity to pitch their solutions, technologies and ideas.
The pavilion is expected to showcase conversational humanoids, quadruped robot races, autonomous racing systems, warehouse drones, industrial AI robots and an AI Digital Twin Simulator of Bengaluru, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the convergence of AI, robotics and autonomous systems.
Nearly 101 robotics and drone startups are expected to participate, creating a platform for emerging companies to demonstrate their technologies directly to enterprises, investors, researchers, policymakers and the global technology community.
From Artificial Intelligence to Physical Intelligence
The AI and Robotics Pavilion will highlight the growing transition of artificial intelligence from digital environments into the physical world, where machines can perceive, process information, navigate and act.
Through live demonstrations, racing formats, interactive experiences, startup showcases and research displays, the pavilion will bring together multiple dimensions of the rapidly evolving robotics and Physical AI ecosystem.
Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and E-Governance, Government of Karnataka, said “Karnataka has always led from the front in building India’s technology future, and this dedicated AI and Robotics Pavilion at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 is a natural next step. It gives our startups, researchers and innovators a live stage to demonstrate what Indian deep-tech and hardware engineering can do, and gives the world an opportunity to see that talent up close. This pavilion reflects our commitment to building platforms where ideas move beyond the lab and into the real world.”
Mr. Umakant Soni, Co-founder & CEO, Bharat1.ai, said “Nearly 101 AI, robotics and drone startups are expected to showcase at the pavilion, which will be curated as a cutting edge experiential zone where the frontiers of physical AI will be at play”
Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026: AI & Beyond
The 29th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit will be held from 17–19 November 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, under the theme “AI & Beyond.” The official BTS website confirms the dates, venue and theme.
Organised by the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, in association with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), BTS 2026 will bring together global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, startups and policymakers to explore collaboration and innovation across emerging and frontier technology sectors.
The summit will showcase developments across Artificial Intelligence, DeepTech, Electronics & Semiconductors, Biotechnology, Startups, AVGC, Robotics, Autonomous Systems and other frontier technologies. The official BTS programme identifies Frontier Tech as a key track covering areas including AI, aerospace, robotics, advanced manufacturing, Web3 and advanced materials.
Building on nearly three decades of Bengaluru Tech Summit, BTS 2026 is expected to bring together more than 1,800 exhibitors, 25,000 delegates, 1,000 technology startups and over 60,000 business visitors from 75+ countries and 30+ States and Union Territories of India.
The AI and Robotics Pavilion will add a new experiential dimension to BTS 2026, providing a dedicated platform for India’s robotics and autonomous systems ecosystem to demonstrate technologies, engage with global audiences, build partnerships and explore pathways to enterprise and international markets.
The summit will continue to position Bengaluru and Karnataka as a global meeting point for technology, innovation, investment and collaboration, connecting India’s deep-tech ecosystem with industry and technology communities from across the world.
