Bengaluru is not just India’s tech capital but a city on the fast track to becoming a global leader in cutting-edge technology. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made this clear as he addressed industry leaders ahead of the 28th Bengaluru Tech Summit, scheduled for November 18 to 20. His message was simple yet bold: Karnataka is the best place for entrepreneurs to start and scale big.
The numbers back his claim. Bengaluru ranks 5th among the world’s top AI cities and is home to nearly 50% of India’s AI talent, making it the second-largest AI talent hub globally. The state isn’t stopping there. The new IT policy includes a laser focus on AI infrastructure, continuing Karnataka’s legacy of forward-thinking initiatives, from the first IT policy in 1997 to the recent Global Capability Centre Policy in 2024.
Quantum technology is another frontier where Karnataka is charging ahead. The state launched India’s first Quantum Technology Roadmap with an ambitious goal to become Asia’s top Quantum Innovation Hub by 2035. That vision comes with a USD 20 billion quantum economy target. Plans are already in motion for Quantum Hardware Parks, Innovation Zones, and even a global Quantum Conclave in Bengaluru.
The state’s dominance in tech isn’t limited to futuristic fields. It accounts for 44% of India’s software exports, with IT and ITeS contributing 26% to Karnataka’s economy. Over 875 Global Capability Centres operate here, representing 30% of India’s total. The goal? Adding 500 more GCCs by 2029, generating 350,000 jobs and USD 50 billion in economic output. To sustain this growth, the government is expanding tech clusters beyond Bengaluru.
Startups are thriving too. Karnataka hosts over 18,300 startups and more than 45 unicorns. But Siddaramaiah insists the best is yet to come. The state is developing QWIN City, a next-gen ecosystem for wellness and innovation designed to attract global scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors. Think R&D clusters, advanced wellness infrastructure, and a lifestyle that fosters groundbreaking ideas.
Health City is another game-changer in the works. This healthcare and life sciences hub aims to integrate medical research, biotech innovation, med-tech manufacturing, and super-speciality hospitals, serving not just India but the world.
Karnataka’s ultimate vision? Becoming the go-to destination for solving humanity’s biggest challenges. From curing diseases to pioneering sustainable energy and futuristic computing, the state is ready to offer the talent, infrastructure, and policies to make it happen. The CM’s invitation is open: Innovators, come build the future here.