The upcoming 29th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2026, scheduled from November 17-19, 2026, is set to significantly bolster Karnataka's vibrant technology and startup ecosystem through a groundbreaking Startup Exchange Programme. This initiative, unveiled by the Karnataka government, involves strategic partnerships with international innovation platforms like "We Make Future" from Italy and VivaTech from France. The core objective is to transcend BTS beyond an annual event, evolving it into a continuous, global platform that connects Karnataka-based startups and technology companies with international markets, investors, and innovation networks.
The newly introduced Startup Exchange Programme will facilitate cross-border opportunities, enabling startups from Karnataka to participate in flagship events of partner ecosystems in Europe, connect with a broader pool of investors, and tap into new industry networks. This direct engagement is expected to open new pathways for market exploration and foster international business and innovation partnerships. Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and E-Governance, Priyank Kharge, emphasized that these global engagements are designed to create tangible opportunities, ensuring Karnataka's innovation ecosystem benefits from worldwide exposure.
The BTS 2026, themed "AI & Beyond," is projected to attract over 1,800 exhibitors, 25,000 delegates, 1,000 startups, and 60,000 business visitors from more than 75 countries. Such extensive international participation, combined with the year-round exchange program, is crucial for strengthening Bengaluru's position as a global hub for technology, innovation, and investment, driving long-term, outcome-driven partnerships for the state's burgeoning startup community. Furthermore, the summit will feature a dedicated electronics and semiconductor track, highlighting the state's commitment to diverse tech advancements.
Karnataka has emerged as India's top state in semiconductor design and innovation, recording 81 supported organisations and 73 chip tape-outs via the ChipIN Centre.
Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge announced plans to scale up the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi tech corridor. Speaking at HDB Techceleration 2026, he outlined targets to attract 35 large firms, 10 GCCs, and 100 startups to the cluster.
Syrma SGS Technology and Italy's Elemaster Group have launched a 20,000-square-foot advanced electronics manufacturing facility in Bengaluru's Bommasandra Industrial Area.
Bengaluru-based advanced photonics startup Olee.space has been selected by the Union Government as the development partner for a ₹70-crore strategic technology programme aimed at scaling optical tech manufacturing.
