Karnataka and Italy Partner to Boost Startups, AI, and DeepTech Collaboration

The Karnataka Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology met with Italy's Ambassador to India, Antonio Bartoli, in Bengaluru to deepen technological cooperation between the two regions. Led by IT/BT Department Secretary Dr. N. Manjula, the discussions focused on shifting from broad bilateral agreements to structured, sector-specific acceleration programs. Both sides agreed to explore three to four targeted startup acceleration initiatives connecting entrepreneurs with technical experts, corporate mentors, and venture capital. Additionally, the proposal includes establishing 'soft-landing' frameworks to help Karnataka and Italian tech startups seamlessly access each other's research facilities, local markets, and industry networks. The partnership spans critical frontier domains, including space technology, Earth observation for disaster management, urban mobility solutions, and artificial intelligence linked with Karnataka's upcoming public-private AI University. Italy will also send a dedicated delegation to participate in the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 to further cement industry ties.