Quantum India Bengaluru 2025: Karnataka Launches Visionary Quantum Roadmap in Presence of Top Ministers and Global Experts

• India’s First Global Quantum Event Inaugurated in Bengaluru
• Nobel Laureates honoured at inaugural event
• Pancharatnam Prize Announced for Quantum Breakthroughs
• Karnataka aims for $20B quantum economy by 2035
• Karnataka Launches Strategic Quantum Roadmap
• Quantum Hardware Zone planned near Bengaluru
• Quantum City to unify innovation and industry, Incentives for indigenous quantum tech manufacturing
• State Quantum Mission to steer development with High-level Task Force for sector governance
• Karnataka Launches Strategic Quantum Roadmap

Bengaluru witnessed a historic milestone today with the inauguration of the first edition of Quantum India Bengaluru 2025, India’s first international event dedicated to the fast-evolving world of quantum science and technology. The summit was inaugurated by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, alongside Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. The event brought together Nobel Laureates, renowned researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and quantum startups on a shared platform for the first time. Participants from various countries including Denmark, Australia, UK, USA, France, Germany, Netherlands, Israel and Switzerland were part of the event.

The Karnataka Quantum Roadmap unveiled at the Quantum India Bengaluru (QIB) 2025 in the presence of (from L to R) Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Chair; Dr. Ekroop Caur , IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka (GoK); Dr. Shalini Rajneesh , IAS, Chief Secretary, GoK; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, GoK; Shri Krishna Byregowda, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Byatarayanapura Assembly Constituency, GoK; Shri N.S. Boseraju , Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, GoK; Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; M.B. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Large and Medium, Industries and Infrastructure Development, GoK; Shri Priyank Kharge , Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and IT & Bt, GoK; Shri Sadashiva Prabhu B , IAS Director, Department of Science & Technology, Managing Director, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), GoK; Ms. Smitha Vishveshwara , Professor, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, US, and Prof. Akshay Naik, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Co-Chair, held at Hotel Hilton, Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru on 31st July 2025.

Organized by the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), Department of Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI), QIB 2025 aims to position India as a global leader in the Quantum Age.

The distinguished gathering included Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka; Shri M.B. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Large and Medium, Industries and Infrastructure Development,, Government of Karnataka; Shri Krishna Byregowda, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Byatarayanapura Assembly Constituency, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Prof. Duncan Haldane, Princeton University, USA, (2016 Nobel Laureate); Prof. David Gross, UCSB, USA, (2004 Nobel Laureate); Ms. Smitha Vishveshwara, Professor, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, US; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka; Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Chair; Prof. Akshay Naik, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Co-Chair; and Shri Sadashiva Prabhu B, IAS Director, Department of Science & Technology, Managing Director, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), Government of Karnataka.

Dr. Rajamani Vijayaraghavan, Associate Professor, Dept. of Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, was felicitated in the presence of (from L to R) Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Professor, IISc & QIB 2025 Conference Chair; Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary, GoK; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, GoK; Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, GoK; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, GoK; Shri Krishna Byregowda, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Byatarayanapura Assembly Constituency, GoK; Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; Sadashiva Prabhu B, IAS Director, Dept. of Science & Technology, Managing Director, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), GoK; M.B. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Large and Medium, Industries and Infrastructure Development, GoK; and Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and IT & Bt, GoK at Quantum India Bengaluru (QIB) 2025, held at Hotel Hilton, Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru on 31st July 2025.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement of the ‘Karnataka Quantum Roadmap,’ outlining the State’s strategic vision for quantum leadership. Built on five pillars of Talent, R&D, Infrastructure, Industry Enablement and Global Partnerships, the roadmap adopts a phased, outcome-driven approach and focuses on aligning academia with industry, scaling indigenous hardware capabilities and building a robust startup ecosystem.

The Government of Karnataka announced the prestigious Pancharatnam Prize for Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology, named in honour of the eminent Indian physicist S. Pancharatnam. Renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of the geometric phase, now a cornerstone of modern quantum technologies, Pancharatnam conducted his pioneering research at the University of Mysore and the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru. This prize has instituted to recognize Indian nationals whose work bridges fundamental quantum science and real-world applications, and the award carries a citation and a cash prize of ₹2 lakhs.

A special moment was the felicitation of the two Nobel Laureates, Prof. Duncan Haldane, Princeton University, USA, (2016 Nobel Laureate); Prof. David Gross, UCSB, USA, (2004 Nobel Laureate).

Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka stated in his inaugural address, “Quantum technology represents a strategic frontier with the potential to fundamentally transform how global industries solve their most complex challenges. It is not just the future, it is the force that will redefine Karnataka’s capabilities in healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The Government of Karnataka is fully committed to positioning the state at the forefront of this quantum revolution. Our focus is on the indigenization of quantum technologies and on establishing Karnataka as a global exporter of quantum solutions, unlocking innovations that were once thought to be out of reach.”

Adding to this, Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, expressed, “Quantum India Bengaluru reflects our deep commitment to shaping the future of science and technology. Karnataka is proud to be at the forefront of India’s quantum journey—bringing together global researchers, startups, investors, and institutions. We envision Bengaluru evolving into the world’s first ‘Quantum City,’ where research, talent, and industry converge. Our efforts begin in the classroom, with quantum education entering schools and universities to prepare the next generation. This revolution must be inclusive, and Karnataka is committed to building a robust ecosystem through research parks, startup hubs, and strong policy support.”

The Government of Karnataka announced the ambitious vision for 2035 to create a $20 billion quantum advantage-driven economy, potentially contributing a major share of India’s quantum tech output. As a part of this vision, the Government has undertaken several pioneering initiatives to lead India’s quantum revolution. Karnataka has established India’s first dedicated Quantum Research Park at IISc Bengaluru, with ₹48 crore sanctioned for its Phase-2 expansion. To bolster indigenous capabilities, the state is developing a Quantum Hardware Manufacturing Zone around Bengaluru—providing plug-and-play infrastructure and incentives for companies building critical components such as cryostats and quantum chips.

Further advancing this vision, the government is planning a first-of-its-kind 'Quantum City' near Bengaluru—a world-class innovation cluster integrating research, advanced manufacturing, education, startups, and government initiatives under one roof. To ensure focused governance, a dedicated State Quantum Mission is being instituted, guided by a high-level Quantum Technology Task Force under the Department of Science & Technology. This task force will bring together leading minds from academia, industry, government, and defense to set strategic goals and drive coordinated action across the sector.

Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka said, “It is indeed a privilege for Karnataka to host Quantum India Bengaluru 2025, in the International Year of Quantum, as declared by the United Nations. Under the guidance of our Hon’ble Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Karnataka is taking focused steps to build a future-ready quantum ecosystem. Our Quantum Roadmap outlines a clear, phased strategy. We are committed to supporting cutting-edge research, attracting world-class quantum companies and nurturing deep-tech startups through dedicated policies and funding. As India steps into the quantum age, Karnataka is proud to lead from the front.”

The two-day Summit is expected to witness participation of 1000+ Delegates, 70+ Speakers across 25+ Sessions, 20+ Exhibitors, 40 Poster Presenters, and 2000+ attendees from 10+ Countries.

The International Conference under the theme, ‘Building a Quantum Ecosystem: Qubits to Society’, will centre around five key focus areas- Quantum Computing; Finance & AI; Quantum Peripherals & Hardware; Quantum in Healthcare, Security; and in Society & Art.  The Summit will feature an exceptional lineup of sessions and engagements. Highlight of the Conference are the keynote lectures to be delivered by the Nobel Laureates- Prof. Duncan Haldane and Prof. David Gross, as well as Prof. Tommaso Calarco, European Union Quantum Flagship, & Director of the Institute of Quantum Control PGI-8, Germany, Prof. Andrea C Ferrari, University of Cambridge, UK, and Prof. Subir Sachdev of the Harvard University, USA. They will be joined by a host of quantum pioneers as speakers and panelists.

In addition to the insightful sessions, the event will also host Closed-door Roundtable Meetings with Ministers, Policy makers, renowned Researchers & Scientists, Academicians, Students and special invitees. There is a dedicated Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions from startups, research institution, and quantum hardware companies.

A special highlight of the summit is the Quantum Poster Showcase, where students, PhD scholars and researchers will present their work to a global audience and the best posters will be awarded at the valedictory.

QIB 2025 will also host Startup Pitch Fest powered by TiE Bangalore, a platform for deeptech and quantum startups to connect with VCs and Investors and Compete for exciting prize money and possibly funding opportunities, as well as network with global experts, research institutions. 

About Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS):

Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS) is an initiative of the Government of Karnataka to promote and support science, technology, and innovation in the state. It works closely with academic institutions, industries, and government bodies to drive research, policy formulation, and technology adoption. KSTePS plays a key role in implementing Karnataka’s science and technology policies and fostering collaborations in emerging fields like quantum technologies, AI, and nanotechnology. It also organizes conferences, innovation programs, and funding initiatives to boost the state's R&D ecosystem. As a strategic enabler, KSTePS is instrumental in positioning Karnataka as a global leader in cutting-edge scientific advancements.

The IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI):

The IISc Quantum Technology Initiative (IQTI) is a dedicated research program at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, focused on advancing quantum science and engineering. It brings together experts in physics, computer science, and electrical engineering to drive innovation in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. IQTI aims to develop indigenous quantum technologies, support startups, and collaborate with industry to accelerate commercialization. The initiative plays a crucial role in India's National Quantum Mission, positioning IISc as a leading hub for quantum research. Through interdisciplinary projects and global partnerships, IQTI is shaping the future of quantum technology in India.

IN-SPACe and Govt. of Karnataka Sign MoUs to Build CoE for Space Technologies and Space Manufacturing Park

In a strategic development, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre  (IN-SPACe), and the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, have signed MoUs to accelerate the state’s rise as India’s foremost commercial-space launch-pad. The MoUs signed include one for establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Space Technologies in Bengaluru and the other for setting up of a public-private space manufacturing park that will anchor next-generation satellite and launch-vehicle production.

The MoUs were signed by Dr Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science &Technology), Government of Karnataka; and Mr Lochan Sehra, IAS, Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe, in the presence of Dr Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe. The MoUs will establish the framework for Government of Karnataka and IN-SPACe to collaborate and partner for the setting up of the Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies and the Space Manufacturing Park.

Karnataka has a mature ecosystem across the space sector value chain comprising of Government, private and MSME players, including ISRO headquarters, space related public sector undertakings such as DRDO labs and facilities, HAL, BEL, BHEL, NAL, and academic and research institutions. The MoUs will enable and support the state’s NewSpace ecosystem towards the national vision as per the Indian Space Policy, 2023 and promote innovation in the sector.

IN-SPACe, on the other hand, has been spearheading India’s space ambitions by enabling ease of doing business with the active participation of government as well as non-governmental entities. As the global space ambitions soar high, IN-SPACe is acting as a nodal agency to shape India’s growing space economy. This signing of MoUs with the Karnataka government aligns with the goal to give impetus to regional ambitions that club with the holistic national projections.

Dr.  Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary to Government of Karnataka, said, “The MoUs with IN-SPACe mark a new chapter in Karnataka’s space journey creating a seamless talent and value chain with the regulatory support required to compete globally."

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “State of Karnataka has emerged as a hub for new age space start-ups and enterprises. The MoUs will bolster this ecosystem and support the state and country’s efforts in succeeding in the NewSpace era. We look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with the state to see more satellites, engines and deep-space technologies developed and manufactured in the state.”

As the global space sector moves from agency-driven programmes to agile public-private partnerships, today’s signing cements Karnataka’s role as India’s launch-pad for breakthrough NewSpace technologies propelled by government vision, private ingenuity and an unrivalled talent pool. IN-SPACe, being the regulator of space in India, is driving core R&D and innovation to propel India’s growth. This MoU is another in line of IN-SPACe’s long-term vision to make India a space-forward economy, with the active participation of the states.

About IN-SPACe:

IN-SPACe was constituted in June 2020 following the Central Government’s decision to open up the space sector and enable the participation of Indian private sector in the gamut of space activities. The Indian National Space Promotion and authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), acts as a single-window, independent, nodal agency which functions as an autonomous agency in Department of Space (DOS).

IN-SPACe is responsible for the promotion, enabling, authorization, and supervision of various space activities of the Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) that include, among others, the building of launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing of space infrastructure and premises under ISRO; and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities. The functions of IN-SPACe are being carried out by three Directorates viz., Promotion Directorate (PD), Technical Directorate (TD) and Program Management & Authorization Directorate (PMAD) and Administration, Finance & Legal Wing

US Chip Toolmaker Lam Research to Invest $1.2 Billion in Karnataka

Lam Research, a US-based manufacturer of tools for making semiconductor chips, has announced an investment of $1.2 billion in Karnataka. This investment will be made over the next few years and aims to boost India's semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) during the 'Invest Karnataka'.

The facility will be located in Whitefield, Bengaluru, and is expected to create a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem in the country.

This move is part of India's broader plan to grow its nascent chipmaking industry, supported by a $10 billion incentive package from the government. The goal is to position India as a leader in electronics manufacturing and design.

Lam Research is a leading American company that specializes in developing tools essential for semiconductor manufacturing. The tools manufactured by Lam Research are used in wafer processing and wiring of semiconductor devices.

Lam Research is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment manufacturers in the world. The company specializes in the deposition and etch segments of the semiconductor manufacturing process. It holds the top market share in etch and the second-largest share in deposition. Some of its top customers include major chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, Intel, and Micron.

Lam Research has been associated with India for over 25 years. The company's India Center for Engineering (ICE) in Bengaluru is a critical part of its global R&D and operations footprint.

Lam Research's $1.2 billion investment is part of a larger trend of substantial investments in India's semiconductor industry.

Tata Electronics has partnered Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) to set up a $91 billion facility in Dholera, Gujarat. Micron Technology's Sadanand Facility is another major project approved by the Indian government.

The investment is supported by both central and state government incentives under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The ISM has approved five semiconductor units, including Lam Research's, with a total outlay of ₹76,000 crore.

Overall, the Indian government has approved several large-scale projects, with a combined outlay of $76 billion under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The goal is to grow the semiconductor market from $38 billion in 2023 to $109 billion by 2030.

Karnataka Approves Bill to Reserve 50% to 70% Jobs for Locals a.k.a 'Kannadigas'

The Karnataka government has approved a legislation that mandates private industries to hire only locals, or people known as "Kannadigas", in certain job categories.

The state government has approved a bill mandating 50%-70% jobs for Kannadigas in companies.

Notably, Karnataka's capital, Bengaluru, houses thousands of startups and global firms ranging from Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Walmart, and Google. Infosys and Wipro - two Indian tech giants, also operate from the city.

This bill could have several implications for both Indian and global firms, operating in Karnataka. Global companies with operations in Karnataka may need to adjust their workforce composition to meet the local hiring requirements. They'll have to prioritize hiring Kannadiga candidates for management and non-management roles as per the specified percentages.

The key provisions of the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024 are as below –

Local Candidates: The bill defines a 'local candidate' as an individual born in Karnataka, residing in the state for at least 15 years, fluent in Kannada, and passing a test administered by the nodal agency.

Reservation Percentages

1. Management Categories: Industries, factories, and other establishments must appoint 50% local candidates in management roles.
2. Non-Management Categories: 75% reservation for local candidates in non-management positions.

Qualification Criteria

Candidates must have a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language or pass a Kannada proficiency test set by a designated nodal agency.

If qualified local candidates are not available, establishments should train and engage local candidates within three years.

Relaxation Clause

If sufficient local candidates are not available, establishments can apply for relaxation from the provisions, subject to government approval.

Penalties

Violation of the provisions can attract a penalty of up to Rs 25,000.

A nodal agency will verify employment reports, and companies failing to comply will face penalties.

As per state government officials, this bill aims to promote local employment, however it has also faced criticism for potential discrimination.

Implications

The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024 could have several implications for global firms operating in Karnataka such as finding qualified local candidates for specialized roles might be challenging, especially in technology, AI, and semiconductor industries.Companies may need to invest in skill development and training programs to bridge any gaps.

Establishments will need to allocate resources for compliance monitoring, documentation, and reporting. Non-compliance could result in penalties, impacting a company's financials.

Companies may evaluate their long-term viability in Karnataka based on the feasibility of meeting local hiring quotas. Some firms might consider diversifying their operations across states with different regulations.

Technology firms, including those in the semiconductor industry, may face unique challenges due to the specialized nature of their workforce. Renewable energy and waste management companies may need to adapt their hiring strategies.

Remember, the bill aims to boost local employment, but its implementation and impact will be closely watched by businesses and policymakers alike.

To Decongest Bengaluru, Karnataka Govt to Avail 50,000 Acres of Land for Industrial Development Within 6 Mths

CII Karnataka Annual Meeting 2022-23:

Beyond Bengaluru – Karnataka Government is committed to decongesting Bengaluru

New office Bearers for CII Karnataka: Mr Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan elected as the Chairman and Mr Venu Nuguri elected as Vice Chairman

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Karnataka organised the Annual Meeting 2022-23 in Bengaluru today. The meeting was marked by an engaging discussion on“Karnataka@100: Sustainable Futures - Digital Transformation and Upskilling. Dr. Murugesh Rudrappa Nirani, Hon’ble Minister for Large & Medium Scale Industries, Government of Karnataka delivered the inaugural address.

CII Karnataka released the vision document Towards Karnataka@100 in collaboration with IIM Bangalore at the Inaugural Session. The vision document prepared in consultation with the stakeholders from across the state, capturing their inputs and aspirations for Karnataka@100 brought out a collective vision of an inclusive sustainable future powered by innovation.

CII Karnataka also announced the election of new office bearers for CII Karnataka State Council for the year 2023-24.Mr. Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan Managing Director of Kennametal India Limited (KIL) elected as the new Chairman while Mr. Venu Nuguri, Managing Director & CEO of Hitachi Energy will serve as the Vice Chairman.

Dr. Murugesh Rudrappa Nirani, Hon’ble Minister for Large & Medium Scale Industries, Government of Karnataka stated that Karnataka is number one in ease of doing business and in receiving FDI in the country at 38%. In Aerospace and Defence also, Karnataka is number one in the country with more than 63% share. All major multinational companies in the aerospace sector have set up their R&D centre in Karnataka.

Dr. Nirani shared that Karnataka Government is committed to decongesting Bengaluru and developing infrastructure in Karnataka as a top priority. The Government is looking to build around 17 or 18 airports in Karnataka each within a radius of 100 kilometres from the other. Road connectivity is also being improving with the objective to enhance the industrial connectivity across Karnataka with other states. According to him, Beyond Bengaluru will become a reality soon.

Speaking about the Global Investors Meet 2022, Dr. Nirani stated that Rs. 9.81 lakh crores worth of MOU were signed which would generate 7 to 8 lakh jobs in the State. He said that government is in sync with CII’s Beyond Bangalore concept, and highlighted that only less than 10% of these investments (during GIM) were for Bangalore, with 90% directed outside Bangalore, in Tier 2 and tier 3 cities. He further said that 50% to 60% of the MOUs signed during the Global Investors Meet will be operational within 5 years. Making land available for industrial development is of high priority for the government and the process of availing land parcels of 50000 acres in the State including 20000 acres in Bengaluru and over 30000 acres of land outside the city will be available within 6 months.

Ms. Suchitra Ella, Chairperson, CII Southern Region & Managing Director Bharat Biotech International Ltd said that the industry is currently in the early stages of a sustainability Revolution. To prepare for the sustainability revolution, companies need to rethink their approach on new skills and new jobs and academic institutions to bridge that gaps in R&D.

Mr. Kamal Bali, Deputy Chairman, CII Southern Region & President & Managing Director, Volvo Group India Pvt Ltd emphasised the need for India to focus on its transition to sustainable manufacturing not just by the large players but also within the MSME sector. Promoting sustainable manufacturing as a thrust area will be the need of the hour to be visible as a leader in the Global Value Chain. 

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Chairman, CII Karnataka State Council & Director, NR Group & Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathis said that CII Karnataka has been working towards inclusive and sustainable growth by focusing on the development of Tier-2 cities and will continue to work on enhancing the ease of doing business, especially for MSMEs and strengthen the ecosystem for entrepreneurship and youth engagement.

A CEOs Perspective on Sustainable Future, Globalization to Localization moderated by Mr. Ramesh Ramadurai, Managing Director, 3M India Ltd saw a lively discussion on the key trends and actions that are being taken in India to drive sustainability in different sectors by a panel which included Mr. Sandeep Maini, Chairman, Maini Group; Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairperson, New Mangalore Port Authority; Mr. Venu Nuguri, Managing Director & CEO, India & South Asia, Hitachi Energy India Ltd, Mr. Arvind Mediratta, Managing Director & CEO, Metro Cash & Carry India and Mr. Dilip Jose, Managing Director & CEO, Manipal Hospitals.

The CII Karnataka Annual Meet 2023 brought together thought leaders from industry, government, and academia to facilitate dialogue and learnings for co-creating and working towards a sustainable and inclusive future for Karnataka.

Profile of CII Karnataka new office bearers

Mr. Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Chairman of CII Karnataka State Council 2023-24.

Mr. Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Chairman, CII Karnataka

Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan is the Managing Director of Kennametal India Limited (KIL) since September 2020. He spearheads the infrastructure business of Kennametal Inc. for the APAC region in addition to his role as the MD of Kennametal India. Prior to joining Kennametal, Vijaykrishnan accumulated over 23 years of work experience with Saint Gobain and 3M. He has held leadership roles in India as well as the APAC region. He served as Vice President - Abrasives systems Division, and as Executive Director – Strategic Planning, 3M India.  In his current role, he is leading efforts to drive growth for Kennametal in India and create value for its stakeholders with focus on enhancing ESG standards for the company, Manufacturing & operational excellence. He champions DEI & ESG initiatives within his frame of work. Vijaykrishnan is a Graduate of Madras University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA with specialization in Marketing.

Mr. Venu Nuguri Vice Chairman of CII Karnataka State Council 2023-24

Mr. Venu Nuguri Vice Chairman of CII Karnataka

Venu Nuguri is Managing Director & CEO of Hitachi Energy in India and South Asia. He has been the Managing Director of India since December 2019 and head of the South Asia region since Jan 2016. Venu has over 25 years of experience across Business Units in the company. He has held several leadership positions in sales, marketing, account management, business development, customer relations, and operations. Venu has a degree in Electrical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, and he has also attended management courses at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, and the International Institute of Management Development, Switzerland.

Toyota Group Inks MoU With Karnataka Govt for Rs. 4800 Cr Investment to Make Deeper Cuts in CO2 Emissions

• Toyota Group of Companies (TKM & TKAP) & its related company TIEI* together invests INR 4,800 crores
• Toyota’s large-scale investment to make deeper cuts in CO2 emissions
• Aims to enhance electrification & shift towards greener technologies
• Promote ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ to manufacture for India and the world
• Toyota’s additional investment coincides with 25 years of successful journey of Toyota Kirloskar Motor
• The Investments are focused towards ‘Greener Technologies’ and ‘Make in India’ (Go Green. Make in India)

In its effort to contribute to the country’s vision of “Make in India” and to enable a faster reduction in carbon emissions, out of total investment of INR 4,800 crores, Toyota Group of Companies that constitutes of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts today announced their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest INR 4,100 crores. This announcement coincides with Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s 25 years of successful journey in India, by winning the hearts of millions of happy customers.

In-addition to boosting the local manufacturing eco-system, the new development will provide an impetus to employment generation and local community development. This investment will also spur the growth of local supplier base and hence result in higher investments and further job creation.

The MoU was exchanged between Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Basavaraj Bommai and Mr. Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice-Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in the presence of Dr. Murugesh R. Nirani, Hon’ble Minister of Large & Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Ravi Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of Karnataka State, and among other dignitaries present at this momentous occasion of MoU Signing Ceremony.

As part of the MoU, Toyota Group of Companies will systematically invest towards making India a self-reliant manufacturing hub, thus contributing towards the Government’s Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission. The investments are aimed at promoting greener technologies that will help lower dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions. This investment will also enable local production facilities to build electric powertrain parts and components, thereby cater to the electrified vehicle manufacturing in India. 

As a part of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, Toyota will continue to focus on reducing carbon emissions in a holistic manner going beyond tailpipe emissions to address manufacturing and lifecycle CO2 emissions in order to realize its carbon neutrality goals by 2050, as announced earlier.

Speaking at the auspicious occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Basavaraj Bommai said, “Our aim is to build ‘New Karnataka for New India’ by creating new 21st century industrial townships and corridors. As a state committed to sustainable development and contributing to the nation’s progress, we want to make Karnataka a global supply-chain and manufacturing hub under our ‘Build for the World’ mission. This MoU with Toyota Group of Companies is a huge stride in this regard, and Karnataka Government is confident of Toyota’s commitment towards sustainable growth and local manufacturing quality for Karnataka’s growth and development. Karnataka being the hub of electric vehicles, welcomes this MoU which adds another feather to State’s cap as leader in this sector”.

Sharing his views on the MoU Signing, Hon’ble Minister for Large & Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Murugesh R. Nirani said, “Toyota Group investments will also enhance the local supplier growth in Karnataka, further leading to higher investments and more job creation. Besides boosting the local manufacturing sector, these investments will also support local community development.”

Since its inception, Toyota has been passionate and committed to build a stable, sustainable, and competitive local supply chain and has taken significant efforts in promoting localization of auto parts and components in line with Government’s ‘Make in India’ mission. The Group has invested in strengthening and increasing supplier base through consistently partnering with them to enhance their capacities and capabilities by sharing Toyota best practices, efficient processes and skilling of manpower, by imparting world-class training program to enhance the production excellence with high quality standards.

On upscaling the skill levels at suppliers, Toyota spent 40,000 man-hours every year to enhance processes through system, management, training, and hardware development. Further, another 8,500 man-hours are spent per year on suppliers’ people development.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice-Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Toyota is committed to enhance the pace of electrification strengthen domestic production with ‘Make in India’. Today’s MoU signing with the Government of Karnataka, in the gracious presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommaiji and all dignitaries, is a very important milestone in terms of ushering in large-scale investment to make deeper cuts in carbon emissions, higher employment generation, creating local manufacturing hub not only for domestic needs but also for global markets, local community development and advancement in innovation. I believe that such investments are needed to provide technologically viable and economically competitive alternatives to fossil-fuel-intensive technologies in vehicle mobility space.

As a part of our philosophy, we always conduct deeper studies, analyse and explore multiple technological pathways that are best suited to optimally achieve the national goals on lowering dependence on fossil fuels, make India truly self-reliant, reducing carbon emissions and creating jobs. Toyota remains committed to serve our nation and the community where we operate.”

Toyota believes that the choice of technologies for achieving our national goals should be practical, sustainable, best suited for unique local conditions that helps to realise the transition in the fastest possible manner. Thus, while our long-term decisions are shaped by our Global environment challenge of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, our immediate technology decisions are influenced by our desire to achieve maximum immediate societal & environmental benefits, which in turn is largely determined by, the local energy mix of the country, infrastructure readiness as well as customer acceptance in line with our belief of ‘Leave No One Behind’.

These companies have so far invested Rs. 11,812 crores and employ more than 8,000 people. Over the years, the group has consciously adopted sustainable business practices and transforming from a carmaker to a mobility company.

Toyota believes in holistic approach and aims to strongly contribute to the State and country’s sustainable growth, as we are stepping into the greener future. Toyota is confident in creating an electrified manufacturing hub in India, thereby achieve our goal of delivering ‘Mass Happiness to All’.

Bahrain, Karnataka Sign Pact on Cooperation in Fintech, AI, Cyber Security

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and Karnataka government on Thursday signed a pact to promote cooperation in AI, fintech and other emerging technologies.

The Kingdom's investment promotion agency signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Information Technology; Biotechnology; and Science & Technology of the state government on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting here.

The agreement aims to build robust fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity ecosystems where startups and technology firms engage in external partnerships with corporates, universities, research institutions, technology experts and government agencies.

Besides, it is looking to develop education programmes and curricula relating to fintech, AI, IoT and cybersecurity to benefit the sectors in their respective jurisdiction. This may include facilitating and enhancing cooperation between relevant authorities such as universities/research institutions, technology experts, and government agencies.

They will also nurture fintech, AI and cybersecurity startups and centres and collaborate to facilitate their growth through development and support.

Bahrain is one of the oldest and most established financial centres in the Gulf region and it has capitalised on its banking expertise to grow one of the most concentrated and advanced fintech ecosystems in Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Karnataka is also known as a leading technology hub in India and has also emerged as the leading R&D and innovation ecosystem for startups. It is home to over 1.2 million software professionals and a large number of Fortune 500 companies.

EDB said Bahrain will benefit from Karnataka's expertise in emerging technologies such AI and cybersecurity, while Karnataka will have access to the Kingdom's renowned fintech prowess.

Authorities from both sides will also collaborate on facilitating SMEs, including startups, through incubation and ecosystem exposure visits.

Economic and trading relationships between India and Bahrain has been shifting increasingly towards service exports, fintech and ICT. Bilateral trade between the two nations currently stands at some USD 1.3 billion.

Khalid Humaidan, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: "Bahrain and India share historic ties dating back 5,000 years to the Dilmun era, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual bilateral trade. With today's MoU signing at Davos, we look forward to further strengthening those links and welcoming innovative Indian firms seeking to access and scale across the growing $1.5 trillion GCC market.

"Bahrain not only offers competitive costs and easy set-up, but the government has implemented a programme of ambitious reforms to encourage investment in a range of sectors. India is an emerging power in fields such as FinTech and ICT, with great experience we can learn from - and as the de facto test bed of the Gulf, Bahrain has positioned itself as the ideal destination of choice for turning knowledge into opportunity."

E V Ramana Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary at the Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, said: "For the first time, Government of Karnataka is keenly participating in the WEF Annual Meeting with a delegation headed by Chief Minister.

"The Annual Meeting is a fitting venue for the signing of this MoU as global leaders have converged here to discuss sustainability. Disruptive technologies such as AI and IoT have the potential to solve this challenge." PTI BJ

Govt of Karnataka includes 'Electronics' to Department of IT, BT

India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the premier Industry body representing the Indian Semiconductor & Electronics System Design and Manufacturing space, hosted the 2nd edition of Spacetronics and 6th edition of Deftronics in collaboration with ISRO – the Indian Space Research Organisation and DRDO – the Indian Defence establishment, to share insights on Intelligent Electronics which is the 'new frontier for securing our Land and Space'.

The Indian ESDM industry is expected to grow at CAGR of 21.6% which is 4 times that of the Global growth. Intelligent Electronics is the growth driver for design services across Aerospace & Defence, Automotive, Healthcare, IoT etc. verticals. Today, we are at the inflexion point where government has a strong focus on indigenization in Space & Defence. The growth of the Strategic Electronics industry along with the Intelligent Electronics industry will garner the country with more sustainable ecosystem.

With the Electronics Systems & Products to reach $10Bn by 2025, it is the need of the hour for the Government of Karnataka to add Electronics in the already existing IT department. The Chief Guests Dr. C N Ashwath Narayan, Deputy CM & Minister Higher Education, IT, BT and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka and Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary, Dept. of IT, BT and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka made an announcement of adding the Electronics to the current IT & BT department which is a major push for the Electronics & Semiconductor ecosystem in the State. With this impetus, the electronics sector is bound to leapfrog.

Speaking at the Summit, Jitendra Chaddah (JC), Senior Director, Operations & Strategic Relations, Intel India and Chairman, IESA said, "Intelligent Electronics will be a vital ingredient in products & solutions for Space & Defence platforms. IESA is spearheading India's Intelligent Electronics charter to accelerate self-reliance in space, defense & internal security. Through Spacetronics & Deftronics platform, we want to build & support innovation, entrepreneurship & manufacturing eco-system in these areas."

"We are honored to bestow the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime achievement award to Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO at IESA Spacetronics & Deftronics 2019 Summit," added Mr. Chaddah.

The Summit also showcased eminent leaders from the Space industry Dr. A S Kiran Kumar, Scientist & Former Chairman, ISRO; Dr. P V Venkitakrishnan, Director, CBPO, ISRO delivering the theme address and keynote address respectively during the inauguration of Spacetronics Day. The Chief Guest for Deftronics Day, Dr. Tessy Thomas, FNAE, Distinguished Scientist, Director General, Aeronautical Systems, DRDO delivered the keynote during the inauguration. The Summit also had the presence of other keynote speakers: Thierry Marin Martinod, VP CTO of A&D & Mktg, TE Connectivity; David Gamba, Senior Director – A&D Vertical Marketing, Xilinx; Dr. Gulshan Rai (Retd.), Former National Cyber Security Coordinator, PMO, Govt of India on Spacetronics Day and Dr. J Manjula, DS & DG – ECS, DRDO on Deftronics Day.

The electronics system design community in India, one of the largest globally are working on cutting-edge technologies which have direct impact on the strategic electronics need of the country, be it design of nano satellites, robots that can roam in moon & Mars or swarm robots for defence applications, AI-enabled intelligent electronics systems for intrusion detection, software-defined radios for building secured communication network, wearable devices for soldiers, etc.

"India's ambitious space program and modernization program of defence are going to create approx. $193B Strategic Electronics opportunity in the next 12 -14 years. Today, we are at the inflexion point where government with its strong focus on indigenization in Defence and Space and the matured ESDM industry can make India not only be self-sufficient in our need but also a global leader in Strategic Electronics," said Rajesh Ram Mishra, President, IESA

IESA released the Strategic Electronics report stating that the Defence electronics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% to reach USD 422 bn by 2032 (annually).

The IESA Spacetronics & Deftronics Lifetime achievement award was conferred to Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO for this contribution to the Indian Space Industry.

Other Winners:

• Best product Design Company in Space Technology – Indian/MNC: Centum


• Best product Design Company in Space Technology – MSME Indian Company: Captronic Systems


• Most promising start-up of the year in Space technology – Exceed Space & Green IP Core


• Best Electronics Manufacturing Company in A&D - Indian/ MNC – TE Connectivity


• Best Electronics Manufacturing Company in A&D – MSME Indian Company – Kras


• Best Product design company in A&D – Indian/ MNC – HCL


• Best Product design company in A&D MSME Indian company – Aidin Technologies


• Best Product design company in A&D – MSME Indian company - Lekha Wireless


• Most Promising Start-up of the year in A&D – Combat Robotics India


• Most Promising Start-up of the year A&D - CATS

About India Electronics and Semiconductor Association

IESA is the premier industry body representing the Indian Semiconductor and Electronics System Design Manufacturing (ESDM) industry and has represented it since 2005 with members from domestic and multinational enterprises. IESA is committed towards building global awareness for the Indian ESDM industry and supporting its growth through focused initiatives in developing the ecosystem. This is achieved through publishing credible data, networking events and alliances with other international associations. IESA works closely with the Governments as a knowledge partner on the sector, both at the centre and at the state level.

The vision of IESA is to Make India the global hub for design-led manufacturing in Intelligent Electronics through continued partnership with the Industry, Government and Academia in the country and International alliances. www.iesaonline.org

Karnataka Govt Shortlists 77 Startups for its Elevate Programme's Second Season

The Karnataka Government under its Elevate programme, run under the Start-up Karnataka initiative of the Ministry of IT-BT and S&T, has short-listed 77 start-ups for funding up to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh per start up.

Launched in 2017, by Karnataka, Elevate is a startup initiative to identify the top innovations in the state. It was launched with name 'Elevate 100' and eventually to Elevate 500, wherein the state government will identify the top 500 innovations in the state.

The programme, in its second year, witnessed over 600 applications from across the State from a variety of tech startups. This initiative is expected to identify and empower innovators who can provide solutions to the most pressing problems that India faces today.

Of the 600 start-ups enrolled in a multi-city pitching event, 250 start-ups were finally short-listed. After this, the jury has selected 77 start-ups for funding.

The start-ups are from Mysuru, Hubbali, Mangaluru, Kalaburgi, and Bengaluru and they are from different sectors like biotech, healthcare, agritech, fintech, logistics, SAAS, urban design and smart cities, and e-commerce.

The Karnataka Minister for IT-BT and S&T, K J George, said: “This initiative will provide an opportunity for young people with brilliant ideas to scale up their solutions. And by helping these tech geniuses reach their potential, we hope that the State of Karnataka will also be able to scale new heights when it comes to technology.”

“A lot of entrepreneurs have ideas that are great - but what can help them really shine is the right guidance from the right people. That is also what we will be providing at the incubator at Elevate 2018,” said Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary, and Department of IT-BT.

"The right funding at the right time is important for start-ups, and so is the right mentorship. Through Elevate, the Government of Karnataka will ensure that innovators in the State are not lacking in either,” he added.

In first year/season of Elevate, Karnataka government claimed that it has funded 61 startups across sectors in April-July'17.

Earlier this month, Priyank Kharge, who's now the minister for social welfare of Karnataka state, had said that the state government is working to have an "innovation legal framework" for startups in the state, which will address the problem of no proper legal guidelines for startups like Uber, Ola operating in the state.

In March this year, the then IT/BT minister, Priyank Kharge, had announced a slew of new policies around innovation and the IT/BT department has been renamed as the Department of Innovation. A new entrepreneurship scheme was also announced, under which Rs 30,000/month would be provided to any entrepreneur for a year while they incubate their idea with Karnataka's startup cell.

Karnataka Govt Shortlists 77 Startups for its Elevate Programme's Second Season

The Karnataka Government under its Elevate programme, run under the Start-up Karnataka initiative of the Ministry of IT-BT and S&T, has short-listed 77 start-ups for funding up to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh per start up.

Launched in 2017, by Karnataka, Elevate is a startup initiative to identify the top innovations in the state. It was launched with name 'Elevate 100' and eventually to Elevate 500, wherein the state government will identify the top 500 innovations in the state.

The programme, in its second year, witnessed over 600 applications from across the State from a variety of tech startups. This initiative is expected to identify and empower innovators who can provide solutions to the most pressing problems that India faces today.

Of the 600 start-ups enrolled in a multi-city pitching event, 250 start-ups were finally short-listed. After this, the jury has selected 77 start-ups for funding.

The start-ups are from Mysuru, Hubbali, Mangaluru, Kalaburgi, and Bengaluru and they are from different sectors like biotech, healthcare, agritech, fintech, logistics, SAAS, urban design and smart cities, and e-commerce.

The Karnataka Minister for IT-BT and S&T, K J George, said: “This initiative will provide an opportunity for young people with brilliant ideas to scale up their solutions. And by helping these tech geniuses reach their potential, we hope that the State of Karnataka will also be able to scale new heights when it comes to technology.”

“A lot of entrepreneurs have ideas that are great - but what can help them really shine is the right guidance from the right people. That is also what we will be providing at the incubator at Elevate 2018,” said Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary, and Department of IT-BT.

"The right funding at the right time is important for start-ups, and so is the right mentorship. Through Elevate, the Government of Karnataka will ensure that innovators in the State are not lacking in either,” he added.

In first year/season of Elevate, Karnataka government claimed that it has funded 61 startups across sectors in April-July'17.

Earlier this month, Priyank Kharge, who's now the minister for social welfare of Karnataka state, had said that the state government is working to have an "innovation legal framework" for startups in the state, which will address the problem of no proper legal guidelines for startups like Uber, Ola operating in the state.

In March this year, the then IT/BT minister, Priyank Kharge, had announced a slew of new policies around innovation and the IT/BT department has been renamed as the Department of Innovation. A new entrepreneurship scheme was also announced, under which Rs 30,000/month would be provided to any entrepreneur for a year while they incubate their idea with Karnataka's startup cell.

Karnataka To Create Legal Framework for Startups and Offer ₹50 Lakh Grant for Social Startups

Priyank Kharge, the minister for social welfare of Karnataka state, has said that the state government is currently focussing on to have an "innovation legal framework" for startups in the state to address the problem of no proper legal guidelines for startups operating in the state. The problem was with the government’s inability to move fast enough with changes," said Kharge, who was earlier holding portfolio of IT and Bio-Tech, Science & Technology Department, in the previous Karnataka state government.

Explaining the dire need for legal framework, Kharge cited an example of RedBus saying that, "RedBus today are actually operating illegally, as the government has no legal framework for them".

It is to noted that this is not the first time Kharge has discussed this problem as in March this year Kharge, at that time too, had spoken about making a legal framework to help startups struggling with government regulations. Its just that, at that time Kharge, instead of RedBus cited an example of startups like Uber and Ola, which -- in 2016 -- had to temporarily stop their cab operations in Bengaluru until they obtained the required ‘cab aggregator’ licenses from the transport department.

“Our focus is to have an innovation legal framework in Karnataka. We can all agree that government policies are constantly having to play catch up. Even abroad, Uber had problems in Spain; they stopped their services in London; they had issues in Chicago; they exited China. The No.1 reason is because of policy - there was no such thing as aggregating taxis before,” Kharge said at the Shell Energy Entrepreneurship Conference 2018 in Bengaluru.

“Right now look at Red-Bus -- the way they are operating, there are no specific guidelines for them, no policy. It is actually illegal. We have a very redundant Motor Vehicles Act. So technically there is no policy for carpooling, for aggregating. Policies are playing catch up with technology and hence we are coming up with an innovation legal framework,” he said.

Any new innovation requires a policy intervention, said the minister. “Whether it is for RedBus, Uber or whether it is for an ecommerce company like Amazon or Flipkart. We don’t intend to stop any innovation that is happening. They will be given time and enough elbow room to function as a company. We don’t even look to regulate them immediately, but we look at these ideas having a legal framework so that they can grow exponentially,” Kharge said.

The minister said Karnataka has the fourth best R&D ecosystem in the world and the best in India, with more than 400 R&D centres in the state. “We also have the youngest startup ecosystem in the world, where the average age of founders is 26 years.

Additionally, Kharge also announced that the Karnataka government would grant Rs 50 lakh to startups that have a strong social focus and are working for rural development in the state. Moreover, the state govt. also intends to adopt a startup currently being incubated in Shell E4 for piloting as part of his department’s efforts related to manual scavenging.

In March, Kharge, under different ministerial portfolio, launched Start-up Policy and a new entrepreneurship scheme, under which Rs 30,000 per month would be provided to any entrepreneur for a year while they incubate their idea with Karnataka's startup cell.

"To encourage any innovation that will be focused at rural development and well-being with a strong social impact, my department will be willing to support startups across the state with a grant of Rs 50 lakh," announced Kharge on the sidelines of the conference organised by Shell E4.

Shell E4 (Energizing and Enabling Energy Entrepreneurs) programme aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem of energy entrepreneurs by bringing together talent, technology, capital and know-how to accelerate India's transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Launched in 2017, Shell E4 Hub is located in the Shell Technology Centre Bangalore, which provides start-ups with round-the-clock proximity to Shell subject matter expert.

Earlier this year, Shell selected five startups - Detect Technologies, ION Energy, IoTrek, Trashcon and Ossus Biorenewables that are working on a diverse range of solution.

Content sourced from Times of India.

[Top Image - DeccanChronicle.com]

Nasscom Opens Centre for Data Science & AI in Bangalore

In July last year, Karnataka state government had announced that it will set up a Centre of Excellence for data science and artificial intelligence (AI) along with Nasscom as its programme and implementation partner.

In a continuation to this, NASSCOM on Thursday announced that it has opened a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bangalore.

The centre was set up in collaboration with the Karnataka government with an aim to nurture innovation in emerging disruptive technologies such as AI and to leverage the power of data science, Nasscom said in a statement here.

"Karnataka has led the Information Technology (IT) revolution in India and the state has also been fostering entrepreneurial spirit. The centre is the step required to propel the data sciences and AI to make India as a destination for global product solutions," Nasscom President Debjani Ghosh said on the occasion.

Additionally, NASSCOM has also signed an agreement with government think-tank NITI Aayog to collaboratively foster applied research, accelerating adoptions and ethics, privacy and security. Notably, in May, NITI Aayog has joined hands with tech giant Google to stimulate growth in India's nascent artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning ecosystem by working together on several initiatives in the two areas.

The new centre launched aims to support small and mid-sized businesses by fast-tracking their product developing and providing market access.

It will work with governments, and universities to provide the emerging businesses with required mentorship, talent and skills.

"The centre will create a platform for industry to academia to co-create digital solutions for Industry 4.0," the statement added.

Karnataka IT, Biotechnology and Science and Technology Minister K.J. George, Intel India's head Nivruti Rai, and Nasscom Chairman Rishad Premji were among the others present on the occasion.

In September 2017, Karnataka state government had also announced that Bengaluru will soon have India’s first multi-faceted artificial intelligence and robotics centre to be established in IIIT-Bengaluru campus.

To recall, NASSCOM had earlier announced that it will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Hyderabad, in partnership with the Telangana government. However, the launch of same is unknown to date.

NASSCOM's CoE initiative is a nationwide program on innovation focusing on solutions in Smart Manufacturing, Automotive, Healthcare, Agriculture, Energy, IoT, Banking & Financial Services, Retail, Telecom, and host of emerging technologies.

In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's first AI research centre for social good followed by announcement made by tech giant Adobe to establish an AI Lab in Hyderabad.

Source - Business Standard

[Top Image - uk.PCMag.com]

Here's List of Karnataka's 100 Most Innovative Startups

Recognising the important role startups play in the progress of their birth state, the Karnataka State Government recently set out on a mission to search 100 most innovative startups bubbling in the state and provide them with monetary help to make it big. 

On Wednesday, the state government finally announced the list of the selected 100 startups for its ELEVATE 100 programme. Coming together at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, the panel of selectors chose the final 100 from a pool of 270 startups by following a rigorous four-layered selection process. However, overall the contest saw more than 1700 startups sending in their entries from all across Karnataka, although a majority of the participation came from the city of Bengaluru.

What's encouraging to note is the fact that the contest also saw an enthusiastic participation from women entrepreneurs and rural areas applicants, with 350 and 400 entries respectively.

Karnataka government's ELEVATE 100 roadshow aims to search through the length and breadth of Karnataka to bring to fore 100 most innovative startups in the state and help them in turning their ideas into successful business ventures.

Of the selected 100 startups this time, 27 belong to electronic semiconductor design domain, 19 are from life sciences, 26 are from IT/ITES, there are 11 each from biotech, agri tech and four each from animation and gaming, and clean tech. The final selected lot also has 19 startups which have women entrepreneurs and 11 startups come from rural areas.

In a press release, the IT department revealed that the ELEVATE 100 programme selected startups will be treated with easy access to government’s start-up fund besides having a direct access to almost all government VC funds, private VC funds, pilots, world class accelerators and mentors.

In order to help it with the programme, the Karnataka state government has also joined hands with eight private firms. For instance, Google has been brought on board to provide $3000 worth cloud credits for Startup Cell registered startups and $20,000 worth of credits for Elevate100 winners. Further, YES Bank & Kotak Bank have agreed to provide banking and other services, while PwC will provide be mentoring and consulting services, among other firms.

Talking about the initiative, Information Technology & Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge said: “The efforts of the Karnataka government doesn't stop at elevating the chosen 100. We see ELEVATE 100 as a continuing process where the best ideas from the state gets the support and guidance it deserves.”

The selected startups are:

1. Elevate 100 winners
2. 5w ventures pvt. Ltd
3. Aadyah aerospace pvt ltd
4. Afterglow tech(opc) private limited
5. Aissel technologies private limited
6. Ameliorate biotech private limited
7. Amvicube
8. Anb fuels
9. Anekastra software technologies
10. Aptener mechatronics private limited
11. Arksa research labs
12. Atrimed bio-tech llp
13. Audicor cardiometrics pvt. Ltd.
14. Bellatrix aerospace private limited
15. Bigsolv advanced labs private limited
16. Biodesign innovation labs private limited
17. Bio-lutions eco tech india private limited
18. Bitgram technologies pvt. Ltd.
19. Brainybatch technologies private limited
20. Breathe applied sciences pvt. Ltd.
21. Caltech innovations private limited
22. Cardiac design labs private limited
23. Chigru innovations opc
24. Chronosphere technologies pvt. Ltd.
25. Clean bill of health private limited
26. Coeo labs
27. Cyclops medtech pvt ltd
28. Dataglen technologies private limited
29. Denovo biolabs pvt. Ltd.
30. Diponed bio pvt ltd
31. Eflight (ghagan aviation pvt ltd)
32. Ethnus technologies
33. Eventosaur
34. Exceltech
35. Fyle
36. Geek labs
37. Gingermind technologies pvt ltd
38. Graphene
39. Green robot machinery private limited
40. Happy reliable surgeries pvt. Ltd.(Opc)
41. Havstruck solutions pvt ltd
42. Hublin enterprises
43. I-byk
44. Innodi water treatment technologies pvt. Ltd.
45. Innov4sight health and biomedical systems private limited
46. Intellicar telematics pvt ltd.
47. Iosynth labs private limited
48. Jankaar initiatives
49. Jk nanosolutions
50. Jouska tech private limited
51. Lab4life bioresearch pvt ltd
52. M/s nirnal water filter
53. Maantrika studios
54. Magveh energy recovery systems pvt. Ltd.
55. Meladath auto components private limited
56. Mendonca medical biotech
57. Mother diagnostic systems private limited
58. Mygram connect private limited
59. Native puppets animation studio
60. Nayagaadi
61. Nexus 3d
62. Niramai health analytix
63. Nopo nanotechnologies india private limited
64. Nymble labs
65. Olivewear pvt. Ltd.
66. Openwater.In pvt ltd
67. Oust labs india pvt. Ltd.
68. Parkingrhino online services pvt. Ltd.
69. Pathshodh healthcare pvt ltd
70. Personal air quality systems pvt ltd
71. Perspectiv labs private limited
72. Project mudra (thinkerbell labs pvt ltd)
73. Quick logi technologies
74. Qunu labs pvt. Ltd.
75. R2 pro pvt. Ltd.
76. Rdl technologies pvt ltd
77. Retisense tech india private limited
78. Sascan meditech pvt ltd
79. Scalend technologies
80. Scapic
81. Scintilla bio-marc pvt. Ltd.
82. Siamaf healthcare private limited
83. Skykrafts aerospace pvt ltd
84. Snaptrude technologies private limited
85. Spookfish innovations private limited
86. Str8bat sport tech solutions pvt ltd
87. String bio pvt ltd
88. Symbosim simulations pvt. Ltd
89. Tactile education services pvt. Ltd.
90. Tagbox solutions private limited
91. Tdw technologies private limited
92. Tenxer technologies pvt limited
93. Text mercato solutions pvt. Ltd.
94. Touchetech labs pvt ltd
95. Trakray innovations pvt.Ltd
96. Trans neuron technologies pvt. Ltd.
97. Trashcon
98. Urban bikes pvt ltd
99. Varnaaz technologies
100. Vaultedge software pvt ltd
101. Videoken software private limited
102. Vipragen biosciences pvt. Ltd.
103. Vnir biotechnologies pvt ltd
104. Vphore labs private limited
105. Wellth solutions pvt ltd
106. Wetrunk it solutions pvt ltd
107. Aprus biomedical innovation
108. Esya sof technologies
109. Janitri innovation
110. Mimyk
111. Pentavalent biosciences
112. Selfdot technologies

Karnataka Govt Signs MoUs With Google, PWC And Others

The government of Karnataka always take one or the other steps to boost startups in the state. In a recent development, the state Government has signed MoUs with eight companies including Google and PwC to cater to the needs of the identified 100 startups under the state's 'Elevate 100 programme.'

Elevate 100 is a project by Karnataka government which will help elevate selected 100 startups by providing them funds and mentors. Under this programme, the Karnataka government plans to spend Rs 400 crore to elevate 100 startups. The shortlisted startups will also have access to government VC funds, pilots, private VC funds, world class accelerators and mentors.

Speaking on the development, State IT Minister Priyank Kharge said, "Google which will provide $3000 worth of cloud credits for startups registered with Startup Cell and $20,000 worth of cloud credit for startups who are winners of Elevate100.”

According to the reports, PwC will provide mentoring and consulting services for sustainable growth of startups and Yes Bank will give banking services, API Integration and customized solutions for these startups.

Further, According to Kharge, Kotak Bank will provide help to set up business and registration processes and assist in providing accounting, income tax returns, GST returns and tax audits among other support while the Indian Law Practices will provide legal consultancy services for identified startups.

Apart from this, Digital Ocean will give a $100 one-time credit for all startups registered with Startup Cell and a $1000 one-time credit for startups, that are being funded under Karnataka Startup Cell. Whereas Zoho will provide the startups 35 plus integrated applications on one account with complete administrative control and complementary mobile apps.

Earlier, the Karnataka government announced the finalists of Elevate100. Identified startups include ESD, Life Life Sciences, BioTech, Agri Tech, AVGC, Clean Tech and IT/IAS, Kharge said.

270 Startups Are Losing Their Spot From Karnataka’s 100 Most Innovative Startups Tag

According to the recent ET report, 270 startups from across Karnataka have slugged out from the top 100 slots in Karnataka government’s startup hierarchy. For those who are unaware, a slot would mean generous government support including mentoring and funding.

Industry leaders such as Mindtree’s KK Natarajan, Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola Cabs, and TiE’s Ravi Gururaj are brainstorming with the startups to pick those 100 startups with disruptive ideas and help them turn their ideas into successful businesses.

The grand finale of India’s first comprehensive entrepreneurship platform, ELEVATE 100, that began on Tuesday morning at Hotel Lalit Ashok will continue through Wednesday. As per the reports, the final bunch of 100 startups will have access to the Rs 400 crore startup fund, apart from mentoring from industry experts, idea validation, advisory and legal support.

Commenting on the development, Priyank Kharge, IT, BT & Tourism Minister said, "The efforts of Karnataka government doesn't stop at elevating the chosen 100. We see ELEVATE 100 as a continuing process where the best ideas from the state gets the support and guidance it deserves."

He added further, "Karnataka is home to the world’s fastest growing startup ecosystem. The government is trying to nurture this ecosystem with strong policies like the IT Policy, Start-up Polget BT Millennium Policy, ESDM Policy and the KAVGC Policy, giving the ecosystem a strong foundation to help entrepreneurs and established industries to flourish.”

This is just one of the many initiatives aimed at creating the largest pool of talented entrepreneurs in Karnataka. According to Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary, IT, the sub segments such as AI & Robotics are already being nurtured through various Centres of Excellence.

Their target is to create 20,000 successful startups by celebrating and supporting them through continuous engagement.

Karnataka Government & SheThePeople.TV Organising ‘The Women Entrepreneur Innovation Summit’ on August 30th

The Government of Karnataka in association with SheThePeople.TV will co-locate ‘The Women Entrepreneur Innovation Summit’ on August 30th at the Elevate100 Grand Finale. The summit is aimed at supporting women tech entrepreneurs with access to mentoring and funds earmarked for women entrepreneurs. The Government will also provide necessary support in marketing, accounting and legal matters.

More than 350 women entrepreneurs mostly from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi & Kalaburagi areas of Karnataka who have registered for Elevate100 , will participate at the ‘The Women Entrepreneur Innovation Summit’.

ELEVATE 100 is Government of Karnataka‘s Flagship Program to identify 100 of the most innovative start-ups in Karnataka kicked-off in July 2017 and has received an overwhelming response from 1700 start-ups across Karnataka. In a first of its kind program, the State Government has held multi city start-up pitches in tier-2 cities - Mangaluru, Kalaburgi, Mysuru and Hubballi to encourage entrepreneurship across the State

ELEVATE is the brainchild of the Start-up Cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS). It was launched by the Government of Karnataka in partnership with the Deshpande Foundation, The Indus Entrepreneurs and other Industry Association Partners like ABAI, IESA, ABLE and NASSCOM. The programme currently focuses on a number of diverse sectors, including IT, electronic system design manufacturing, animation visual gaming & comics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, life sciences, and more.

Commenting on ELEVATE 100, State IT, BT Minister, Priyank Kharge, “We have received a huge response for Elevate100 across all cities. For the first time, regional pitches were held in tier 2 cities including Mangaluru, Kalaburgi, Mysuru and Hubballi. The competition has been fierce; it’s very exciting to see so many promising startups move to the next round and looking forward to the finals.

At Elevate100, we are not just providing start-ups with access to funds but will also help them with access to mentors from their respective industries, networking and business opportunities and support them in important aspects like accounting, legal & emerging technologies,” he added.

Image Source: ShutterStock

11 Startup News To Know This Week [26 June - 1 July]

If you have missed the happening of startup world, here is the recap for you. Mentioned below are the 11 news which made headline during this week.

On-Demand Startup Jugnoo Becomes First Profitable Company

Jugnoo, which initially began its journey as auto-rickshaw aggregator has become the first company in India in on-demand space to become profitable on an Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) basis.

The hyperlocal startup, which offers a diverse range of services like rides, ready to eat meals, restaurant food delivery, grocery and business to business delivery has leave behind its competitors and is still on a spree to invest huge bucks in the market without being able to drive out any sufficient returns. The company’s total revenue recorded for last quarter was Rs 11.5 Crores which has grown by an impressive 15 percent.

Hyderabad’s ISB To Incubate 50 Startups; Launches Virtual Startup Incubation/ Acceleration Unit

The Indian School of Business ( ISB) has launched the facilities for its virtual startup incubation and acceleration arm DLabs in Hyderabad. For this year, ISB has set an aim of incubating at least 50 companies. The virtual incubation program took birth two years ago in 2015 and has recorded the mentoring of 32 startups till now. Established in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, the virtual incubation program will now come under ISB’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), which aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for the creation and growth of enterprises.

12 Startups Receives Grant From Karnataka Government

Karnataka Government has announced the grants of Rs 3.18 crore to 12 startup companies in the state. The startups, identified by the Karnataka Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology, specialise in a wide range of specialities, skills, and industries, such as agriculture, biotech, security, communications, and robotics. The startups are selected on the grounds of the application of the technology, practicality, feasibility and innovation. Here is the detail information about the selected startups.

China’s Guizhou Open Doors For Indian Entrepreneurs

Good news for Indian startups. The Indian government and Nasscom have recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Guizhou, a mountainous province located in southwest of the country to encourage Indian entrepreneurs to set up their businesses in China.

Commenting on the MoU signed between Guizhou and the Indian government, Nasscom, Sun Zhigang, Guizhou’s governor said that Indian businesses coming here could take advantage of the favourable policy environment, availability of resources and convenient transportation facilities in order to spur the growth of their startups/businesses.

Cisco’s Chairman Announces $70 Mn Fund for Indian Startups

Cisco’s executive chairman, John Chambers has revealed that the global network giant has launched a $70 million fund dedicated exclusively for Indian startups. He further shared that the booming Indian Startup ecosystem has got him so excited that he might even consider investing some money of his own in the ecosystem in the near future.

Cisco’s relationship with India goes way beyond the $70 million startup fund. 22 years ago in 1995, the US-based company that is widely acknowledged for revolutionising the world of digital networks set up its second world headquarters in India, its largest outside its home country, United States.

Incubators, Co-Working Space For Startups In Every Parliamentary Constituency

Nirmala Sitharaman, the Commerce and Industry Minister has written a letter to all Members of Parliament (MPs) to consider setting up co-working spaces/incubators for startups in their constituency under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme Fund (MPLADS).

In the letter Sitharaman said the ‘Startup India’ initiative of the Government of India envisions building a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation in the country and empowering Startups to grow through innovation and design. She said the Government has been making all-out efforts towards realizing the vision of the Startup India Mission.

Uber Launches UberEATS in Delhi, NCR

Uber has launched the UberEATS service in Delhi, NCR starting with Gurugram. Partnering with over 300 restaurants, consumers can now order their favorite food at the tap of a button. To successfully scale the business across the region, Faiz Abdulla has been appointed as the General Manager for UberEATS in Delhi.

UberEATS will give local restaurants in Delhi, NCR a reliable delivery option, effectively expanding their capacity and reach to be able to service a whole new network of potential customers. In addition to that, hundreds of delivery partners in the region will now also have access to more flexible earning opportunities.

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos To Invest More In India

Amazon plans to continue to invest in India in order to march closely with competitors in the country who are pouring in billions in funding. It's been four years since Amazon entered Indian market and unlike China the company has been able to gain ground over local competitors like Flipkart and Snapdeal. India is now Amazon largest market in the World outside the US.

This is interesting to see that inspite of the fact that CEOs of Indian startups crying foul over US-based companies doing business in India PM Modi still held meeting with tech CEOs of US companies demanding to invest more in Indian market.

Israel’s OurCrowd To Fund Indian Startups; Joins Hand With LetsVenture

OurCrowd has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with LetsVenture, India’s marketplace for startup funding. As part of this partnership, OurCrowd will offer curated deals to Indian investor syndicates managed by LetsVenture, as well as showcase Indian startups on OurCrowd’s platform, giving selected Indian startups access to accredited investors globally and to business development opportunities.

OurCrowd and LetsVenture will be also be collaborating on an ‘India Fund’ to invest in Israeli, Indian and global startups. The investment into this fund would primarily be from family funds and HNWIs in India and OurCrowd’s global network of accredited investors.

First Government Owned Co-working Space For Startups In Mangaluru

Indian government to launch first government-owned co-working space for startups in Mangaluru. The initiative is being led by Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister as part of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development scheme. With this initiative, government wants to create space for hardware development and experimentation with readily available 3D printing equipment. Co-working space will offer cutting-edge technology such as 3D printing along with new-age digital infrastructure, such as high-speed Internet.

TO THE NEW Designs, Develop Startup India Hub’s Web portal and App

TO THE NEW, a Noida-based leading digital technology company has designed and developed the web portal and mobile applications for Startup India Hub, an initiative by Invest India, the official Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India. Recently launched by government’s Invest India and commerce ministry, Startup India Hub is our country’s first digital platform developed to boost the startup ecosystem and facilitate investments into India.

Karnataka State Aims To Nurture 20,000 Startups, Implemented New Policy

With an aim to strengthen startups ecosystem in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a new policy that aims to nurture 20,000 new startups from different segments. To implement this policy successfully across the state, government took suggestions from agriculture, manufacture, electronics, and IT sectors during a recent meeting. The Chief Minister said, “The startup policy targets at nurturing 20,000 technology-based start-ups and 6,000 product-based start-ups. The policy intervention of the government along with the support of industry mentors, investors will help in achieving the target. I am confident that ‘Idea2POC’ initiative along with the new age incubation network of the state government will encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The state government had launched India’s first multi-sector Startup Policy in November 2015. Under this policy, the startup council was set up as the apex body for monitoring and evaluation of implementation of the policy.

Council members emphasized the need to improve ease of doing business for startups, ensure availability of skilled manpower, opportunity for implementation of pilots through government departments as well as facilitating procurement of innovative solutions and products by government. A facilitation mechanism set up through Karnataka Startup Cell as the one-stop shop for startups for information related to framework and policy incentives and other related advice was appreciated.

Members of the council also appreciated the efforts of the state government to promote startups through various initiatives of the Karnataka Startup Policy.

Members also supported the strategy of building institutional capacities to nurture entrepreneurship in tier-2 city educational institutions through the New Age Incubation Network.

In July, the state government had launched Startup Booster Kit in order to provide a helping hand to early-stage startups in Karnataka.