At the Bengaluru Tech Summit, the state unveils bold ambitions across semiconductors, space tech, and quantum computing to reshape its tech future beyond Bengaluru
Karnataka’s Deeptech Pivot Takes Center Stage
At the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, Karnataka made a decisive shift from its legacy as a services-led IT hub to becoming a deeptech innovation engine. The state showcased a future rooted in semiconductors, electronics, AI, and quantum computing, aiming to lead India’s tech renaissance over the next decade.
- The government secured INR 2,600 Cr in investment commitments on Day 2 of BTS 2025.
- Key sectors included semiconductor manufacturing, battery tech, and biotech.
Strategic Investment Announcements
Several letters of intent (LoIs) were signed with emerging and established players:
- Global HDI pledged INR 1,500 Cr for electronics expansion.
- Wipro Electronics announced a INR 500 Cr PCB plant in Doddaballapura.
- Elleve Solutions will invest INR 250 Cr in electronics manufacturing.
These deals are projected to create 3,500 direct and indirect jobs across Karnataka.
Upskilling Through Industry Collaboration
A unique partnership between Marvell Semiconductor, the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), and the Karnataka government will see:
- 90 women trained in semiconductor design and embedded systems
- Programs conducted in tier II and III cities, fully funded by Marvell
Karnataka’s Quantum Leap: India’s First Quantum City
Karnataka announced plans for India’s first Quantum City in Hesaraghatta, near Bengaluru.
- The city will feature quantum hardware parks, cryogenic testing labs, and AI-enabled cloud clusters.
- A dedicated deeptech startup zone and research incubation spaces will offer plug-and-play infrastructure for quantum ventures.
Expanding Beyond Bengaluru
While Bengaluru remains the epicenter, the state is decentralising its tech ecosystem:
- A relocation incentive of INR 50,000 per employee will be given to companies moving to tier II/III cities.
- Massive infrastructure plans include a 9,000-acre AI City in Bidadi and an international business complex around Bengaluru.
- The push aims to relieve pressure on the capital, which currently handles INR 1 Lakh Cr worth of infrastructure upgrades.
Making Tech Affordable: KEO PC Launch
Karnataka launched KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source)—an AI-ready personal computer designed and developed locally.
- Powered by RISC-V open-source chips, the PC runs a Linux-based OS.
- Priced at INR 18,999, it features on-device AI, 4G, Wi-Fi, and preloaded educational tools.
- Developed by KEONICS and the state IT department, KEO reflects a push for digital inclusivity and self-reliant tech infrastructure.
Karnataka’s SpaceTech Mission: Aiming for the Stars
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled an ambitious SpaceTech Policy aiming to:
- Capture 50% of India’s space market and 5% of the global market by 2034
- Attract $3 Bn in investment and create 50,000 skilled jobs
- Build space-manufacturing parks, testing infrastructure, and a CoE for space innovation
The state is already home to:
- 2,500+ MSMEs linked to ISRO supply chains
- 32 spacetech startups
- Several defence tech innovators and R&D hubs
Startup Ecosystem: From Services to Startups
As part of its Startup Policy 2025–30, Karnataka aims to:
- Support the creation of 25,000 startups, including 10,000 outside Bengaluru
- Fund early-stage ventures with INR 518.27 Cr, offering incubation, training, and certification support
This marks a structural push to decentralize tech growth and deepen the research-to-commercialisation pipeline across verticals.
