NEW DELHI
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing an international gathering of diplomats and dignitaries at the Bridge to Bengaluru event at Hotel ITC Maurya, on Friday emphasized the state’s role as a global innovation hub and invited countries to partner with Karnataka for shared technological, educational, and cultural growth.
Organized by the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, the event set the tone for the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, Asia’s leading tech platform, to be held from November 18–20.
“Karnataka is not just a cultural treasure, it is an economic powerhouse,” Siddaramaiah said, highlighting the state’s $337 billion GSDP, its leadership in IT exports ($64 billion in 2024), and Bengaluru’s global startup ecosystem with 18,000+ ventures and 50 unicorns.
He spotlighted the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), Karnataka’s flagship diplomatic and technological bridge with over 35 countries, and invited deeper collaboration in areas such as clean energy, smart cities, education, and trade.
Karnataka’s forward-looking initiatives like NIPUNA Karnataka, AI clusters, bio-innovation hubs, and innovation districts in Mysuru, Belagavi, and Bengaluru were also underscored. The state’s policies on electronics, AVGC, green hydrogen, and mobility offer unique opportunities for global partnerships, Siddaramaiah said.
Beyond innovation, he stressed Karnataka’s tourism appeal—from Hampi to Coorg—and its rich cultural heritage, urging diplomats to explore and engage with the state holistically.
The CM concluded with an open invitation: “Let’s build bridges that last, and partnerships that inspire. Karnataka is open and ready to work with the world.”
The BTS 2025 is expected to host over 1 lakh attendees, 1,200 exhibitors, and 600 speakers from over 60 countries under the theme Futurise.