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Address by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri. Siddaramaiah

Date: August 1, 2025 / Venue:  Kamal Mahal, Hotel ITC Maurya,  New Delhi.

Good evening, everyone - ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.

1. It is my profound privilege to welcome you all to this special event, Bridge to Bengaluru. 

2. We are gathered here to build stronger ties between Karnataka and the world. This dialogue is not just about technology but about creating lasting partnerships in trade, tourism, education, sustainability, and innovation. Karnataka is at the heart of this exchange, and I am thrilled to share our vision with you.

3. Today’s event is a prelude to the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, Asia’s leading platform for innovation. But more than that, it is a chance to connect, collaborate, and shape a shared future. I thank the Department of Electronics,  IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, for organizing this meaningful gathering.

4. Karnataka is a land where tradition meets progress.                      Our rich history shines through the ancient ruins of Hampi and Pattadakal, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the timeless melodies of Carnatic music and Yakshagana.

5. Our Kannada language, one of India’s oldest, carries the wisdom of poets like Pampa and philosophers like Basavanna. From the sacred sites of Shravanabelagola to the vibrant traditions of Koodalasangama, Karnataka is a cultural  treasure waiting to be explored.

6. Our state offers diverse tourism experiences - lush Western Ghats, serene beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, majestic palaces, and the aromatic coffee plantations of Coorg. We are building world-class infrastructure and cultural tourism circuits to welcome visitors from across the globe.

7. To all of you, I say: Come, discover Karnataka, and let’s work together to celebrate our shared heritage.

8. Karnataka is not just a cultural hub; it is an economic powerhouse. With a GSDP of $337 billion, we are India’s fourth-largest economy, contributing nearly 9% to the national GDP.

9. Bengaluru, our capital, is a global tech leader, ranked among the top 15 startup ecosystems worldwide. It hosts over  18,000 startups, including 50+ unicorns, and 40% of India’s Global Capability Centres, with R&D hubs from companies like Bosch, Intel, and SAP.

10. Our Beyond Bengaluru initiative is spreading growth to                cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi, ensuring every region thrives.

11. Karnataka’s success comes from our people and policies. Through programs like NIPUNA Karnataka, we are training over 1,00,000 young people in skills like AI, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, partnering with global leaders like Microsoft and Accenture.

12. Our academic and research institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science, IIM Bangalore, and the National Law School of India University, are globally recognized for their contributions to knowledge and innovation.

13. Karnataka’s forward-thinking policies in electronics, animation, gaming, green hydrogen, tourism, and electric mobility foster a robust ecosystem for sustainable growth. We prioritize ease of doing business and policy stability to ensure trust and reliability for our global partners.

14. The Global Innovation Alliance, launched in 2017, is Karnataka’s way of building bridges with the world. From 10 countries in 2018, it now connects over 35 nations, including Germany, Australia, the UK, the US, Japan, Israel, France, South Korea, Finland, and Switzerland.

15. We invite you to collaborate in education, research, smart cities, clean energy, tourism, and trade. Together, we can create solutions that benefit our people and the planet.

16. Our Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology has been a driving force. Karnataka leads India’s IT exports, contributing $64 billion in 2024, nearly a third of the nation’s total.

17. We are pioneering AI clusters, electronics parks, and bio-innovation hubs. Karnataka is also India’s first state with a dedicated Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics Centre of Excellence, preparing for the future of digital content.

18. These efforts create an ecosystem where startups, global companies, universities, and policymakers work together seamlessly.

19. The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, from November 18–20 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, is where these ideas come to life. With the theme Futurise, it will explore AI, semiconductors, healthtech, and climate tech.

20. The Bengaluru Tech Summit  has hosted Nobel Laureates, world leaders, and innovators. This year, we expect over 1,00,000 attendees, 1,200 exhibitors, and 600 speakers from 60 countries.

21. Through the Global Innovation Alliance track, your countries can showcase innovations, hold business meetings and join curated sessions. We invite you to be partners, not just guests, in shaping the future.

22. Karnataka is committed to inclusive growth. Our new innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi will boost research and jobs. Initiatives like fintech in Mangaluru and drone development in Hubballi-Dharwad show our vision of balanced progress.

23. Karnataka is open and ready to partner with the world. Whether through technology, tourism or talent, we see global collaboration as the path to shared success.

24. Thank you for joining us today. We look forward to welcoming you to Bengaluru for BTS 2025. Let’s build bridges that last and partnerships that inspire.

25. Once again thank you all.

Jai Hind! Jai Karnataka !!!