Chief Minister of Karnataka inaugurates Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023: “Breaking Boundaries” – Innovation from India, Impact for the World

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Bengaluru, 29^th November 2023: The 26th Edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023, organized by the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka and Software Technology Parks of India, Bengaluru, inaugurated by Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka and in the august presence of D.K. Shivakumar,  Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka today at Bangalore Palace. This year’s theme, ‘Breaking Boundaries,’ sets the stage for a dynamic convergence of tech leaders, startups, investors, and research labs from 30+ countries.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by guest of honour Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka, M B Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large & Medium Industries, Govt. of Karnataka; N S Boseraju, Minister of Science & Technology, Minor Irrigation, Govt. of Karnataka; and a distinguished gathering of dignitaries including Smt. Vandita Sharma, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Dept. of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Shailendra Tyagi, Director, STPI- Bengaluru; and  Darshan H.V., IAS, Managing Director – Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Dept. of Electronics, IT, Bt and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka.

Distinguished guests at the inaugural ceremony included international dignitaries such as Mr. Bagdat Mussin, Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan; Mr. Mark Papermaster, EVP & CTO of AMD; a recorded message from Ms. Sari Multala, Minister of Science and Culture of Finland; and a recorded message from Mr. Volker Wissing, Minister of Digital Affairs and Transport of Germany.

Adding to the grandeur, the event was hosted by key figures from the Indian industry, including Mr. Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro Limited; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka, and Executive Chairperson of Biocon Ltd.;   Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Vision Group on IT, Govt. of Karnataka, and Co-founder of Infosys;  Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Vision Group on Startups, Govt. of Karnataka, and Founding partner of Accel Partners India; Ms. Nivruti Rai, Managing Director and CEO of Invest India; BV Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission; and  Arvind Kumar, Director General of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).

 Mr.Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka stated, “I am honored to address Karnataka’s pivotal role in driving technological innovation. Our state, having over 5,500 IT/ITES companies and 750 multinational corporations, contributes around US$ 85 billion to the nation’s exports. Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, ranks 8th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our top rankings in Niti Ayog’s India Innovation Index and DPIIT’s ranking. Karnataka is a preferred destination for global capability centers, hosting 40% of GCCs in India. We have pioneered sector-specific policies in IT, biotechnology, and startups. At the Bengaluru Tech Summit, we will unveil the revised Biotech Policy and launch the AVGC-XR Policy, showcasing our progressive approach.

Collaboration with industry and academia, driven by Vision Groups, ensures holistic development. Despite challenges, we aim to bridge the digital divide with initiatives like ‘Beyond Bengaluru.’ The Bengaluru Tech Summit, themed ‘Breaking Boundaries’, symbolizes our commitment to regional, sectoral, and scale expansion. With your support, I am confident we will script unparalleled success. Thank you and may the spirit of innovation guide our path“.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony,  D.K. Shivakumar,  Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka said, “India is home to a talent pool of 5 million IT and technology professionals out of which 2 million are in Karnataka alone. From the early 70s to today, Karnataka has invested in human talent and created a strong talent pool of human resource professionals across industry sectors – from IT to medical and more. We are aware that the tech talent from India competes on the global stage, and we are making continuous efforts in this area. As another step to further strengthen our talent pool, we are committed to investing in the rural primary education system. We request corporates to invest their CSR budgets into strengthening rural primary education in the state of Karnataka so that young children have the same opportunities”.

During his address at the inauguration of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023,  Priyank Kharge,  Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka said, ” A landmark achievement in the technological landscape, today we proudly celebrate the 26th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit. With the theme ‘Breaking Boundaries,’ our aim is to inspire global tech communities, fostering innovation and collaboration. Karnataka’s evolution into the world’s fourth-largest tech cluster, transitioning from a BPO hub to an R&D and innovation epicenter, is noteworthy. From being India’s Most Innovative State to leading in the India Manufacturing Innovation Index, we take pride in our achievements. With a 38% share in FDI inflows and a #8 ranking in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023, Karnataka dominates key sectors like Electronics Design (40%), Machine Tools manufacturing (52%), Aerospace & Defence manufacturing (65%), and Biotech production & exports (60%). Our thriving startup ecosystem, contributing to a $164 billion valuation, solidifies Karnataka as a global innovation hub. The new Biotech Policy aims for exponential growth, synergizing with state policies, and the AVGC-XR Policy establishes Karnataka as a hub for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity. Our commitment to skilling, Centers of Excellence, the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), and Beyond Bengaluru reflects our dedication to global collaboration and ecosystem development. Looking forward, we envision creating an innovation-conducive environment, where Karnataka leads in technology. With collective efforts, we aim to forge a future where technology knows no boundaries. Thank you, and let’s shape a limitless technological future together.”

 Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 will feature a diverse and enriching Event Spectrum, encompassing a Multi-Track Conference on IT & Electronics, Deep Tech, Start-Ups & Biotech, an International Exhibition, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave, R&D-Lab2Market, B2B Meetings, STPI IT Export Awards, Smart Bio Awards, VC Felicitation, Assistive Tech Awards, Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz and Bio Posters.

An exclusive Fireside Chat, ‘Legend, Legacy & Leadership,’ featuring  N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys, in conversation with  Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder of Zerodha promising a deep dive into the legendary journey and leadership principles that have shaped the tech landscape. BTS 2023 will have another interesting Fireside Chat featuring  Rajeev Chandrasekhar,  Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. In an insightful conversation, he will be joined by Ms. Jaya Jagadish, Country Head and Senior Vice President of Silicon Design Engineering at AMD India, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of government initiatives and cutting-edge technology in India.

Some of the Key Dignitaries and Speakers addressing the year’s BTS include Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Former Director General Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Nobel Laureate & American Biologist Dr. H. Robert Horvitz; among others.