Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled India’s first Global Capability Centers (GCC) policy at the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024 on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward fostering innovation, growth, and sustainable development.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the event, organized by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT, Government of Karnataka, and Software Technology Parks of India. This year’s theme, ‘Unbound,’ highlights the transformative power of technology in breaking traditional barriers and facilitating global partnerships and advancements across industries.
In his opening speech, CM Siddaramaiah expressed Karnataka’s commitment to promoting innovation and inclusive growth. “Karnataka has launched India’s first dedicated GCC policy, aimed at empowering and supporting these centers,” he said. He also announced the establishment of three global innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi. “Our state is the preferred destination for GCCs due to its unparalleled engineering talent and the highest number of AI professionals globally,” he added.
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the Nipuna Karnataka initiative, aimed at enhancing the skills of local talent and boosting their global competitiveness in emerging technologies. The program’s goal is to equip Karnataka’s workforce with advanced skills tailored to high-demand sectors, driving economic growth and expanding employment opportunities both within and outside the state. The initiative will ensure that local talent is trained locally while contributing to global innovation.
As part of Nipuna Karnataka, five strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with global tech leaders, including Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, IBM, and the BFSI Consortium. These partnerships aim to train 100,000 trainees in the next year, with a 70% placement rate. Under the collaboration with Microsoft, over 10,000 trainees will be trained annually in emerging technologies, with a special focus on deep tech. Intel’s collaboration aims to train over 20,000 trainees annually in AI through programs like AI for All, AI for Youth, and Unnati. Accenture will train 10,000 individuals in cybersecurity and quantum computing, while IBM will focus on training 50,000 people in AI and cloud services with hands-on practical experience. Additionally, the BFSI Consortium will train 10,000 professionals in the banking and financial sectors, ensuring their placement in top fintech companies.
The government also announced the creation of a Centre of Excellence for AI in Bengaluru, designed to support AI-driven startups. The Centre, a collaboration between IIT Alumni Center Bangalore (IITACB) and the Government of Karnataka, will provide startups with capital, mentorship, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge resources to foster AI innovation.
Another major announcement was the Startup Springboard program, introduced at BTS 2024. The platform will empower Karnataka’s startups by connecting them with investors, mentors, and infrastructure to support innovation and prototype development.
BTS 2024 features a multi-stage conference covering six tracks: IT, Deeptech and Trends, Biotech and Healthtech, Startup Ecosystem, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave, and the newly added Electro-Semicon track. The summit will see international participation from over 50 countries, including Australia, the UK, France, Austria, the EU, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, and the U.S., creating a rich environment for collaboration and innovation.
BTS 2024 will also serve as a key platform for startups to connect with investors. With participation from 23 ideation-stage startups, 142 early-stage startups, 75 concept validation-stage startups, and 82 growth-stage startups, the summit will host a three-day Venture Connect Program. More than 50 leading global investors, including family offices, angel investors, and venture capital firms, will be present, with a combined investment potential exceeding USD 17.5 billion.
Additionally, high-level Strategic Roundtable Meetings will bring together international government representatives, corporates, startups, and policymakers. The Roundtable on AI/GovTech will feature startups showcasing innovative solutions aimed at reshaping governance and accelerating growth in the digital era.
