Bengaluru’s ecosystem leads globally in AI skill penetration and R&D output, ranking among the top five cities worldwide, said Priyank Kharge, Minister of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj.
“What sets us apart is our 3P model of People, Policy and Participation, which ensures every stakeholder, from academia to entrepreneurs, has a voice in shaping growth,’‘ he said, while delivering the inaugural address at CII’s India Innovation Summit, INNOVERGE 2025 here on Friday.
Innovation clusters
The State government was investing ₹1,000 crore to build innovation clusters across Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every region, the Minister said.
Karnataka has evolved into one of the most disruptive innovation hubs in the world, powering breakthroughs from agritech to aerospace, he said, adding, “We are not just an investment destination but the global knowledge and skill capital. With 40% of India’s R&D talent, 30% of all Global Capability Centres, and 48 of the country’s 110 unicorns, Karnataka drives the nation’s digital economy.’‘
At the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit in November, the State would unveil the Future Makers track to showcase 20,000 startups and launch a ₹100 crore fund to identify India’s top 50 AI companies, the Minister said.
The ecosystem
Speaking at the event, Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development & Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, said, “Innovation thrives when academia, industry, start-ups, and government come together, that’s the bridge we must build.’‘
Kamal Bali, former Chairman, CII Southern Region and president & managing director, Volvo Group India, said, “As AI and digitalisation converge, we are entering an era where idea generation and intelligent automation will redefine how we design, make, and move.”
Published – October 10, 2025 10:07 pm IST
