Karnataka opens global bridge to Bengaluru ahead of flagship tech summit

Bengaluru/New Delhi: In a high-powered diplomatic outreach, the state govt hosted ‘Bridge to Bengaluru', a first-of-its-kind international dialogue in New Delhi Friday, to attract global collaboration in innovation, technology and investment ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 (BTS), scheduled for Nov 18-20 in Bengaluru.Diplomats from over 60 countries — including the US, UK, Finland, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Vietnam and Sri Lanka — engaged with Karnataka's top political and administrative brass during a closed-door session. The event is part of the state's Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative, launched in 2017, which now spans 35 nations.Participating in the programme, chief minister Siddaramaiah said Karnataka seeks to build global ties on shared trust, common goals, and mutual benefit. "Karnataka welcomes the world not just as investors, but as partners," he said. "Our sectoral policies across ESDM, AVGC, green hydrogen, tourism, electric mobility, and renewables are designed to create a robust ecosystem for responsible and resilient growth. Whether it is through technology, tourism, trade, or talent, we see global engagement not as an option, but as a pathway to shared progress."Echoing the sentiment, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said, "Bengaluru's strength lies not just in its infrastructure or policy incentives, it lies in its people. With the highest concentration of engineering, science, and design talent in India, the city is now ranked among the top 5 AI talent cities globally, second only to San Francisco in emerging AI hubs."IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge added: "Our innovation ecosystem thrives on intent, inclusion, and impact. Through platforms like the Global Innovation Alliance and Bengaluru Tech Summit, we are forging long-term partnerships that transcend borders. With BTS 2025, we invite the world to co-create solutions, scale ideas, and shape a shared future. Bridge to Bengaluru is not just a dialogue, it's a doorway to collaboration, investment and collective progress."BTS 2025 will be held at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre for the first time and is expected to draw over one lakh attendees, 20,000 startup founders, more than 600 speakers, and representatives from all 36 Indian states and Union territories.