Karnataka Government Delegation Visits Singapore Ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024: Strengthening Global Collaborations

Image Caption: Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka (Left) ; H.E. Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore (Center); Mr. Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications-(Right) engaged in a interactive dialogue with industry executives in Singapore 

As a precursor to the 27th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, scheduled from 19-21 November 2024 at Bangalore Palace, in Bengaluru, India; a delegation from the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka organized an Industry Interaction Meeting in Singapore on Tuesday, 1st October, 2024 at the The Fullerton Bay Hotel from 6.00 PM – 8.00 PM.

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 is set to accelerate global collaborations, spark groundbreaking innovations, and further solidify India’s leadership in the global tech landscape. The Singapore Curtain Raiser marks a key milestone in the event's international outreach, encouraging global participation and building momentum for what promises to be an exciting and impactful BTS 2024.

The meeting was led by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Department of E, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, India. The interactive meeting was graced by H.E. Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore and Mr. Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications- the Event Curator of Bengaluru Tech Summit.

A panel discussion titled 'GCCs and the Role of State Ecosystems: The Karnataka Story' was also held during this program. This panel comprised distinguished leaders from tech & life science organizations from Singapore, including Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director & Global Head of Domestic & Emerging Payments, GPS, HSBC;  Manish Pant, Executive Vice President, International Operations, Schneider Electric; Dr. Surya Bhattacharya, Director & Head, System in Package, IME, Singapore and Linda Zhang -Vice President and Head of APeC Commercial, Science & Lab Solutions, Merck Life Science. Sanjeev Dasgupta, Chief Executive Officer, CapitaLand moderated this insightful panel.

The forum convened representatives from technology and life sciences organizations, startups, industry bodies, and the media from Singapore. During the industry dialogue, guests from Singapore's elite organizations were introduced to the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, featuring a range of learning, business, and networking opportunities.

Dr. Ekroop Caur provided an comprehensive overview of Karnataka’s thriving technology ecosystem, the key initiatives led by the Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, as well as the opportunity for organizations to collaborate.

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024:

BTS 2024, the three-day flagship technology event of the Government of Karnataka, will have a spectrum of activities including a multi-stage Conference, an International Exhibition with multiple pavilions, CEO Conclaves, B2B Partnering, a glittering Awards Ceremony, IT & Biotech Quizzes, a Bio Poster Showcase, and networking events. A dedicated B2B, B2G partnering zone will be staged to foster structured networking and engagement.

With the focal theme- ‘Unbound’ the event will emphasizes Technology's Role beyond the main theme ‘Breaking Boundaries’ transcending Traditional Limits Across Sectors, Geographies, and Cultures.

The Conference will include six dedicated tracks: IT & Deep Tech, Biotech & HealthTech, Startup Ecosystem, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave, and the newly introduced Electro-Semicon track. More than 460 global speakers from industry, research and academia will address 5000+ delegates in 85+ sessions.

The International Exhibition at BTS 2024 will feature 700+ exhibitors, including focused pavilions such as Corporate & Industry, International Pavilion, Startup Zone, and more. Special sectorial pavilions will highlight breakthroughs in Deeptech, Biotech, Healthtech, Spacetech, Mobility, Greentech, Fintech, and numerous other technology capabilties. One of the key highlights of the forum is the Bio Posters- a Walkway of Discovery aimed at encouraging young researchers and students. 

Destination Karnataka – Technology Unbound:

Karnataka is globally recognized as India's premier hub for IT and biotechnology and is home to leading technology giants, R&D facilities, unicorns, and a thriving startup ecosystem. With Bengaluru at its heart, the State boasts a robust ecosystem fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, supported by industry and investor-friendly policies that enhance the ease of doing business.

Here are some highlights of Karnataka’s vibrant Tech landscape:

• Karnataka, home to 40% of India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs), is positioning itself as a global leader in innovation-driven, R&D-focused technology hubs. The State has opened its doors to GCCs looking to start operations in India.

• As India's startup capital, Bengaluru proudly hosts over 45 unicorns. The State government conducts regular engagement programs to support the Startup Ecosystem and invite investments.

• Karnataka houses 50% of the nation's AI/ML talent and is investing $1.22 million in cybersecurity and also establishing an AI Centre-of-Excellence to combat rising cyber threats and drive tech innovation.

• Karnataka is also the nation’s Biotech capital with its BioEconomy valued at
  $31 billion with a 10.7% growth rate.

• Karnataka contributes 10% to the country's industrial output and ranks 3rd in electronic exports with $4.52 billion. It is a hub for 300+ export-oriented units, leading in sectors like chip design, aerospace, and defense. The state boasts of a robust Electronics and Semiconductor corridor, with major clusters spread across the region.

Government of Karnataka’s Global Innovation Alliance:

A significant initiative of the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, is the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), which invites leading tech nations to collaborate with the state in fostering technology and knowledge exchange. The GIA emphasizes co-creation, co-innovation, and co-invention through strategic government-to-government (G2G), Institution-to-institution partnerships, technology sharing, skill development, trade promotion, startup support, and academic collaboration.

The Department of E, IT, Bt, Govt. of Karnataka, under the GIA initiative has launched several outreach and engagement programmes to encourage partnerships and collaborations. Some of them include GIA Map - which provides international market access to Indian Startups; GIA Mixer- a monthly country-focused meetup of CGs, trade bodies, Startups and MNCs; GIA Launchpad- an initiative that gives international startups market access to India.

The Department has also introduced significant programmes like development of Centres-of-Excellence focusing on various emerging technology areas; and the MNC-GCC Engagement- a platform to streamline collaborations; and international roadshows to select GIA Partner Countries.
Singapore, as a longstanding GIA partner country, has played an active role in the Bengaluru Tech Summit over the years, further strengthening ties between the two innovation-driven ecosystems.

For more information, please contact:
Saradha Mani | saradha.mani@mmactiv.com | +65 9068 1202