Tech Triumph
Bengaluru
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the 28th Bangalore Technology Summit (BTS) on Tuesday, unveiling a low-cost computer ‘Kio’, a new IT policy, and a space technology policy that will guide the state until 2030.
The three-day event being held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Center, will continue through Thursday. Addressing the gathering, Siddaramaiah highlighted that the conference brings together nine leading global technology and modern industry sectors. “Karnataka is entering the second phase of the digital revolution, focusing on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, space, and green technologies. Bengaluru is now a global hub for innovation, talent, research, and technology leadership,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that Karnataka’s industrial growth has been steady, with productivity rising and unemployment at just 4.3%. The state has emerged as a center for aerospace, defense, animation, gaming, and deep-tech industries. He emphasized that the new IT policy and startup initiatives will help Karnataka become a global hub for innovation and deep-tech sectors.
A major highlight of the summit is the state’s goal to set up 25,000 startups in the next five years. The CM said the government will provide capital, infrastructure, market access, and skilled human resources to achieve this target. Karnataka also aims to capture 50% of India’s space market and 5 percent of the global market by 2034.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar pledged Rs 1.45 lakh crore for Bengaluru’s infrastructure development, assuring entrepreneurs that the government will respond quickly to their needs.
State launches AI-powered computer ‘Keo’
Bengaluru
The Karnataka government has launched ‘Keo’, an AI-powered personal computer priced at Rs 18,999, aiming to boost digital access across the state.
Unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Bangalore Tech Summit, Keo is compact, cost-effective, and built entirely in Karnataka in collaboration with Kionix. It features an open-source RISC-V processor, Linux OS, 4G Wi-Fi, USB and HDMI ports, and an on-device AI core named Buddha (GUDDH) trained on the Karnataka DSERT curriculum. Keo will benefit students, small businesses, and government offices, supporting learning, entrepreneurship, and decentralized technology growth statewide. Pre-orders at www.koonest.in.
Karnataka to develop 200-acre semiconductor park: Patil
The Karnataka government will set up a 200-acre semiconductor park with world-class facilities for tech companies, aiming to make the state a hub for innovation, said Industries Minister MB Patil at the Technology Summit.
He highlighted the government’s support for investments in AI, ML, semiconductors, drones, solar energy, and Industry 5.0 technologies. “Karnataka hosts over 800 R&D centers, 100+ chip design firms, and 18,300 startups working in AI, deep tech, quantum computing, and space tech. The state has allocated Rs 600 crore to support advanced industries and will collaborate with global tech leaders for growth,” he said.
The summit drew national and international attention with participants from across the globe, including Kris Gopalakrishna, Kiran Mazumdar Shah, Melbourne Mayor Nicholas Rees, and representatives from Poland, Germany, and Norway.
The event also showcased centers of excellence in AI, cybersecurity, data science, animation, and robotics, while Karnataka unveiled the country’s first blueprint for quantum technology, strengthening its position as a leader in innovation and deep science industries.