Karnataka Proposes Deeptech Innovation Cluster in Bengaluru to Boost AI and Emerging Technologies

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge Proposes Deeptech Innovation Cluster In Bengaluru

This move will address the gaps in core deeptech areas in the country, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation, quantum computing, and biotechnology Karnataka's IT minister Priyank Kharge has reportedly suggested a deeptech innovation cluster in Bengaluru to help grow and scale up startups in this sector. "The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and NASSCOM should collaborate and establish a deeptech innovation cluster in Bengaluru," said Kharge at NASSCOM's Future Forge 2024 event held on Wednesday. He also urged the two bodies to find the right institutional partners and think tanks to formulate a framework by the Bengaluru Tech Summit, scheduled from November 19-21, 2024, as per ET's report. Kharge highlighted Karnataka's thriving deeptech ecosystem, with over 250 startups that attracted more than $1.5 Bn in investment during 2023, creating close to 10,000 jobs. However, he did not elaborate on what the innovation cluster would entail. The minister claimed the state government has developed plug-and-play facilities to address learning gaps in the deeptech ecosystem, and is working with the industry to figure out the way forward for deeptech regulations. With the 2025 Karnataka state budget slated to be announced in March next year, Kharge has sought the ecosystem's help to come up with a framework next month. He added that the deeptech innovation will figure among the key priority areas in the budget. This move will address the gaps in core deeptech areas in the country, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation, quantum computing, and biotechnology. In June this year, Kharge said the state expects to attract investment of $6.2 Bn in technology sectors such as biotechnology, AI, semiconductors, AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics), and healthtech from the US and Europe. The IT/BT ministry is also said to be working on preparing a 'Startup Directory', which will record details of the startups in Karnataka, their profiles and turnover. Besides, the state government also claims to be working on an online startup platform to connect with VCs. Last year, deeptech startups raised $496 Mn compared to $397 Mn in 2022, as per Inc42's "Indian Tech Startup Funding Report 2023". Overall, between 2014 and 2023, homegrown deeptech startups raised over $1.5 Bn in funding across 343+ deals.

Karnataka Proposes Deeptech Innovation Cluster In Bengaluru

This move will address the gaps in core deeptech areas in the country, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation, quantum computing, and biotechnology Karnataka's IT minister Priyank Kharge has reportedly suggested a deeptech innovation cluster in Bengaluru to help grow and scale up startups in this sector. "The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and NASSCOM should collaborate and establish a deeptech innovation cluster in Bengaluru," said Kharge at NASSCOM's Future Forge 2024 event held on Wednesday. He also urged the two bodies to find the right institutional partners and think tanks to formulate a framework by the Bengaluru Tech Summit, scheduled from November 19-21, 2024, as per ET's report. Kharge highlighted Karnataka's thriving deeptech ecosystem, with over 250 startups that attracted more than $1.5 Bn in investment during 2023, creating close to 10,000 jobs. However, he did not elaborate on what the innovation cluster would entail. The minister claimed the state government has developed plug-and-play facilities to address learning gaps in the deeptech ecosystem, and is working with the industry to figure out the way forward for deeptech regulations. With the 2025 Karnataka state budget slated to be announced in March next year, Kharge has sought the ecosystem's help to come up with a framework next month. He added that the deeptech innovation will figure among the key priority areas in the budget. This move will address the gaps in core deeptech areas in the country, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation, quantum computing, and biotechnology. In June this year, Kharge said the state expects to attract investment of $6.2 Bn in technology sectors such as biotechnology, AI, semiconductors, AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics), and healthtech from the US and Europe. The IT/BT ministry is also said to be working on preparing a 'Startup Directory', which will record details of the startups in Karnataka, their profiles and turnover. Besides, the state government also claims to be working on an online startup platform to connect with VCs. Last year, deeptech startups raised $496 Mn compared to $397 Mn in 2022, as per Inc42's "Indian Tech Startup Funding Report 2023". Overall, between 2014 and 2023, homegrown deeptech startups raised over $1.5 Bn in funding across 343+ deals.

Karnataka to create deep-tech innovation cluster in Bengaluru: IT-BT minister Kharge

Karnataka's IT-BT minister, Priyank Kharge, plans to propose a deep-tech innovation cluster in Bengaluru which will create a conducive environment for deep-tech startups to thrive. With the 2025 state budget slated to be announced in March, Kharge has sought the ecosystem's help to come up with a framework next month. "The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and NASSCOM should collaborate and establish a deep-tech innovation cluster in Bengaluru," the minister said, adding that they should find the right institutional partners and think tanks to formulate a framework by the Bengaluru Tech Summit. "It is my job to ensure that when the Chief Minister announces the budget in March 2025, the cluster will be on top of the list," Kharge said at NASSCOM's Future Forge 2024 event held on Wednesday. He also highlighted Karnataka's thriving deep-tech ecosystem, with over 250 startups that attracted more than USD 1.5 billion in investment during 2023, creating close to 10,000 jobs. "Transitioning from being a pensioner's paradise, we want to become the most disruptive innovation capital, breaking boundaries not just for India, but for the world," Kharge expressed. "We have developed plug-and-play facilities that focus on the deep-tech sector, which will shorten learning gaps. However, regulations remain a stumbling block, and we are working closely with the industry to address this." Aiming to address the gaps in core deep-tech areas in the country, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation, quantum computing, and biotechnology, the IT-BT minister emphasized that the acceleration India needs in deep tech will take place from Karnataka. "The state is ready to take the leap of faith with you," he added. Startups, IP Problem The IT-BT minister also expressed concerns about India's ranking on the Global Innovation Index, where it stands at the 39th position despite being among the top ecosystems for startups globally. "..I don't have a readymade answer for Intellectual Property (IP). I think it's one of the biggest challenges facing the startup space in the country. Securing and defending IPs is crucial, especially for deep-tech startups," he said. Kharge added that IP is a very complex issue in India and requested NASSCOM to develop a comprehensive flow chart that outlines how to streamline IP processes, ensuring ease of doing business for deep-tech startups. "I am in the top eight startup ecosystems in the world and among the top 5 AI cities, but in IP, we are 39th, which is not acceptable. I would love to hear from industry leaders and entrepreneurs on how we can solve this crux of the puzzle."