Bengaluru, July 12: Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka, announced the 27th edition of Asia’s largest Technology Show, Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, at a Press Conference held in Bengaluru. Scheduled from November 19-21 2024 at the iconic Bangalore Palace, BTS 2024 will once again position Bengaluru at the forefront of global tech innovation & collaboration.

Ahead of this press conference, a Breakfast Meet was held where Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, engaged in an interactive session with over 200 CEOs from India’s leading IT, Semiconductor & Electronics, AVGC, Biotech and Startup organizations. This 2-hour interactive meet also saw the presence of Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka, Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Vision Group on Startups, Govt. of Karnataka and Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Dept. of E, IT, Bt and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka. The goal of this meet was to foster an open dialogue between government officials and tech leadership, centered on Karnataka’s vibrant tech ecosystem and future prospects. The discussions were facilitated by prominent industry associations including NASSCOM, IESA, TiE Bangalore and ABLE.  The Department of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology Govt. of Karnataka, also presented an ‘Action Taken Report’ addressing the industry representatives’ feedback from the 2023 Breakfast Meeting.

An overview of the upcoming BTS 2024 was presented, with the continued event theme “Breaking Boundaries,” highlighting how technology transcends traditional sector, country, culture, and industry boundaries. Karnataka, with Bengaluru at its heart, is a global technology hub known for its vibrant ecosystem fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. BTS 2024 takes forward this vision, creating unbound opportunities for idea exchange, business growth, and international collaborations. The unique feature of BTS is that all the leading industry associations like NASSCOM, IESA, ABLE, TiE Bangalore, ABAI as well as USIBC and AMCHAM partner with the event.

The multi-stage Conference at BTS 2024 will serve as a vibrant hub for the exchange of new ideas. Spanning six focused tracks over 3 days, the Conference will cover IT & Deep Tech, Biotech & Healthtech, Startup Ecosystem, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave and newly added Electro-Semicon track. The Conference will host over 85 sessions featuring 460+ speakers. Each of these tracks are curated by a committee of experts from the industry, research and academia. Special programs like the CEO Conclave, Startup Conclave, and Fireside Chats with renowned personalities will also be featured.

The newly introduced Electro-Semicon track will spotlight cutting-edge advancements in sectors such as Telecom, Mobility, Manufacturing, Consumer Electronics, and Semiconductors. This track will emphasize breakthroughs in electronic components, semiconductor technologies, and integrated circuits, showcasing innovations that are driving the future of these pivotal industries.

This year, there will be an increased focus on B2B meetings, allowing delegates and companies to engage in more structured and productive sessions. Attendees can schedule meetings with the prospects well in advance and connect with participants seamlessly during the event. The exciting lineup for BTS will be conveniently accessible through a dedicated Event App. The app will also provide real-time updates and personalized recommendations to enhance the overall event experience.

In addition, BTS2024 will also feature a Hackathon where problem statements from various government departments will be presented. Industry partners will provide necessary infrastructure, support, and mentorship to startups pitching solutions. The selected startups will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions at BTS2024.

Strategic Roundtables with GCCs, investors, startup ecosystem, Beyond Bengaluru and more will be held to create a roadmap for Karnataka’s continued leadership. The International Exhibition with over 700 Exhibitors at BTS2024 will be a major hightlight with focused pavilions on Corporate & Industry, Global Innovation Alliance, Startup Zone, STPI National Showcase, MSME Pavilion, R&D Pavilion (Lab to Market), Leading States of India, Karnataka Showcase and Technology Parks. This year there is a special emphasis for the sectorial pavilions such as Biotech & Healthtech, Electro & Semicon, Telecom, Spacetech, Mobility, Greentech, Edutech, BFSI & Fintech and Animation & Gaming.

BTS 2024 will honor achievement and excellence at a prestigious Awards Ceremony, featuring accolades such as the STPI IT Export Awards, Smart Bio Awards, Startup & Investor Awards, and more.

This edition marks a milestone for one of its key show elements- the TCS Rural IT Quiz– as it celebrates its silver jubilee. The Finale of the BioQuiz will also be held during the event. These national level quiz competitions are aimed at creating a talent pool in IT and Biotech Sector. Another initiative, the Bio Posters- Walkway of Discovery, provides a platform for research students and graduates to showcase their innovative concepts and ideas, fostering recognition of young talent.

Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka serves as the headquarters for major tech giants, GCCs, and leading unicorns. This success stems not only from the State’s industry-friendly policies and programs, but also from our active engagement and collaboration with the complete tech ecosystem. We also deeply value our close association with Global Innovation Alliance Partners and with them, BTS attracts the world’s foremost leaders, innovators, and disruptors, drawing over 50,000 tech enthusiasts from India and more than 40 nations.”

BTS 2024 anticipates hosting several international Delegations from Global Innovation Alliance Partner Nations. The Global Collaborations Track in the Conference will feature sessions curated by these GIA Partner Countries. Tech nations worldwide will showcase their technological prowess in the International pavilion in the Exhibition.

BTS 2024 is expected to have participation from 40+ Countries, with 460+ Speakers in over 85 Sessions, 5000+ Delegates, 500+Start-Ups, 700+ Exhibitors,  with an overall expo footfall of 50,000+.

The Press Conference was also address by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of E, IT, Bt and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri B.V. Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission; Shri Shailendra Tyagi, Director, Software Technology Parks of India- Bengaluru, Shri Darshan H.V, IAS, Director, Dept. of E, IT, Bt and Managing Director, KITS, Govt. of Karnatakaand Ms. Ruchi Bindal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Dept. of E, IT, Bt, and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka.

The dialysis clinic was inaugurated at KC General Hospital, Bengaluru by the Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka State, Shri Siddaramaiah. It is a 20 bedded dialysis clinic equipped with new Haemodialysis Machine. NephroPlus has successfully operationalized 26 clinics, delivering ~450 sessions per day in various districts of Bengaluru and Mysuru division. Single use dialysis session will further improve the life of dialysis patients. These clinics will be addressing to the growing demand of dialysis services under the free Dialysis Program for all BPL and APL patients, run by the Govt. of Karnataka.

While sharing his views on the same, Mr. Kamal D Shah, Co-Founder of NephroPlusexpressed, “We are proud to have reached this significant milestone and are deeply honoured to have Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurate the dialysis clinic at KC General Hospital. This highlights our commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare for the community.”

NephroPlus remains committed to improving healthcare outcomes while positively impacting the lives of the people in our community.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by guest of honour, Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda MLA, Shri Prithul Kumar, IRTS, Joint Secretary(Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India & Interim Managing Director, National Film Development Corp. (NFDC); Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman Axilor Ventures, Co-founder Infosys, President Infosys Science Foundation; Mr. Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France in Bangalore; Mr. Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru; Ms. Nivruti Rai, MD, and CEO Invest India; Mr. Rajan Navani, Founder & CEO, JetSynthesys; Mr. Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, Asia South – NVIDIA; Mr. Sai Srinivas Kiran Garimella; Co-Founder, MPL;  Mr. Ashish Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, PunnaryugArtvisionPvt. Ltd.; Mr. Sudhir Kamath, COO, Nazara Technologies; Dr.Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Dept. of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka; Mr. Biren Ghose, Country Head, Technicolor India and President, ABAI; Shri Darshan H V, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka; Mr. RK Chand, Executive Director, The Mill India & Secretary, ABAI.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Shri Biren Ghose,ABAI President & Country Head, Technicolor India, said:“Bengaluru GAFX 2024,is a celebration of our wins and exploring new avenues for the all-round growth of AVGC in India. With diverse sessions, competitions, and networking opportunities, Bengaluru GAFX 2024 will witness a stellar lineup of speakers comprising industry veterans and thought leaders. The AVGC industry is on a continuous growth spree, and events like GAFX bring together studios, producers, and investors, creating a hub for gaming, film, animation, AR/VR, and comics. It’s more than an event; it’s a platform where innovation meets opportunity, shaping the future of India’s creative narrative on a global scale.

Bengaluru GAFX 2024is set to host 120 sessions and 200 speakers, including more than 20 renowned internationalspeakers hailing from 10 different countries. This impressive lineup features industry veterans and thought leaders, including winners of prestigious awards such as Oscars, British Arrows, VES Awards, Cannes Golds, and esteemed Indian accolades. Bengaluru GAFX stands out as a unique event in the AVGC industry, facilitating the convergence of Indian and international synergy. Both international and Indian studios, along with industry veterans, will present some of the largest and most critically acclaimed titles during the event.

• VFX: This edition will see some leading Indian & international names in the world of visual effects. Some mind-blowing visual effects showcases from Hollywood that wowed audiences the world over will be presented at GAFX including the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Antman & Wasp Quantamania, and The Fast & the Furious X. As well as the Making of Blockbuster LEO’s Photoreal Hyena VFX by multiple-Oscar winning studio MPC’s Jateen Thakkar & Nimish N Shah, the Making of Jurassic World by Industrial Light and Magic, London and Srinivas Mohan- the VFX Supervisor for RRR. The rise of VFX content in the Indian regional landscape will be further underscored by showcases from Ghost, Jawan, Animal, PS2, Charlie 777 and Vikrant Rona.

• Animation: Cutting-edge animation presentations and showcase include the animation of Oscar-nominated movie Nimona by DNEG, Delivering Spectacular Animated Features from India by Oscar-nominated studio Mikros Animation, and Independent Global Animation Films by Assemblage, as well as How to secure your IP for Content Creators by Zebu Animation. Greengold Animation will present its unique work on the Making of Chhota Bheem Live Action movie.

• Gaming: Kalari Capital’s Vani Kola & Invest India CEO Nivruti Rai are slated to address the incredibly exciting gaming landscape of India in the session ‘Investor Speak – Strategies for Staying Relevant and Resilient in the Indian Gaming Startup Ecosystem.’ Leaders of the Gaming ecosystem Kris Gopalkrishnan- Chairman Axilor Ventures, Co-founder Infosys, President Infosys Science Foundation & Rajan Navani– Vice Chairman & Managing Director at JetLine Group of Companies; Founder & CEO JetSynthesys will address the gathering on The Indian Video Gaming and Esports Industry. MPL, Nazara Technologies, Nodwin Games and Technicolor Games will present insightful panels and showcases on topics ranging from the ecosystem, technologies, talent and game art & animation.

Moreover, the Bengaluru GAFX B2B Forum stands as a distinctive platform meticulously designed to connect IP owners, developers, content creators, and production houses aspiring to produce groundbreaking content. This event acts as an exclusive interface, attracting selected international and national studios, producers, broadcasters, distributors, and financiers. Esteemed industry figures like Rajeshwari Roy, Associate Chief Producer & Head of Content – Animation, Digital & Broadcast Media at Ramoji Group, Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz, Creator of Nickelodeon’s hit international franchise Shimmer and Shine, and Russell Tracy Jr. from Mikros Animation will contribute to the stellar industry lineup at this marketplace forum.

A diverse range of competitions is thoughtfully curated to engage the talents and potential of students and emerging professionals, representing the future workforce of India. Spanning from traditional artistry like Clay Sculpting to the digital realms of Sculpting and Painting, and venturing into the intricate world of 3D Character Animation, these competitions are carefully crafted by industry leaders. The primary objective is to nurture a sustained ecosystem that promotes a culture of progression, skill enrichment, and mentorship within the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) realm in India.

In its fourth edition, Bengaluru GAFX and the B2B Forum continue to shape the future of the AVGC-XR industry, providing a platform that facilitates collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas on a global scale. The event is organized with a steering committee covering all individual domains of VFX, Animation, and Gaming. GAFX will also witness the participation of AVGC trade associations from other states, including TVAGA from Telangana.

For more information, visit: http://gafx.in/