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.

Prior to the press meet, a Breakfast Meet was held where Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah interacted with 100+ CEOs of leading IT, Semiconductor & Electronics and Biotech organizations. Also present at this 2-hour breakfast meet, were Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Bt Govt. of Karnataka;Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotechnology and Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Vision Group on Information Technology. This interactive Meet enabled open dialogue between the Government and Tech Leadership on the backdrop of the upcoming BTS 2023, with discussions focusing on Karnataka’s thriving tech ecosystem and the
road ahead.  

The interactions were facilitated by leading industry associations like NASSCOM, IESA, TiE and ABLE. With the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 just around the corner, from November 29^th to December 1^st at the grand Bangalore Palace, the city is once again poised to showcase India’s technology strength to the world and engage with global tech community.  

In a world where emerging technologies are reshaping the very foundations of industry and innovation, Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 stands at the forefront of this transformation with the focal theme: Breaking Boundaries which encapsulates the spirit of innovation, disruption, & exploration across geographies and industries. 

Underlining this, Shri Priyank Kharge, the Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka said, “We take immense pride in highlighting that the State of Karnataka has consistently maintained a pioneering position in cutting-edge research, innovation and technology. This is possible due to close collaboration and interaction with esteemed Industry Stakeholders, Research Fraternity and by fostering the Start-up Ecosystem. Over the years we have established a strong bond with our Global Innovation Alliance Partner Countries. Our shared objective is to amplify the reputation of Brand Bengaluru.” 

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 will feature a diverse and enriching Event Spectrum, encompassing a Multi-Track Conference on IT & Electronics, Deep Tech, Start-Ups & Biotech, an International Exhibition, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave, India Innovation Alliance, R&D-Lab2Market, B2B Meetings, STPI IT Export Awards, Smart Bio Awards, Startup Recognition, Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz, and
Bio Posters. 

The Multi-Track Conference at BTS 2023 will include focus areas like Emerging Tech including AI & DeepTech, Quantum Computing & 6G, Semiconductors and Electronics Manufacturing, Gaming & e-Sports, Future Mobility, Climate Tech, Social Entrepreneurship, Biotech for sustainability and Health Tech Innovations. There will be focused discussions to explore India’s GCC landscape, Upskilling of India’s Tech Talent and the VC ecosystem. 

Large delegations from the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) Partner nations are expected to participate in the event. The GIA track in the Conference will have 17 engaging sessions curated by the partner nations, some of the confirmed countries include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Austria as well as EU. Senator Franziska Giffey, Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, Berlin; Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of Düsseldorf, Germany; Mr. Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economy, Job Creation and Trade, Ontario, Canada will be addressing in the GIA Sessions. Further ministerial-led delegations are to be announced in due course. Various Tech Nations will also showcase their tech prowess in the Exhibition, adding to the event’s vibrant international presence.  

The India-USA Tech Conclave’s 3rd edition will be conducted with US India Business Council (USIBC).  

BTS Exhibition– the tech marketplace will include Country Pavilions, IT & Biotech Majors, Unicorns, Start-Ups, R&D Labs, Educational Institutes. Some of the leading global companies as well as Startups will be showcasing the technologies that will deliver immersive experience in the diverse sectors like Healthtech, Edutech, Agritech, Mobility, e-Commerce and Rural Technologies.  

The Press Meet was also addressed by Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotechnology; Shri B.V. Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Shailendra Tyagi, Director, Software Technology Parks of India- Bengaluru and Shri Darshan H.V, IAS, Director, Dept. of Electronics, IT, Bt, and Managing Director, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka.  

BTS 2023 is expected to have participation from 30+ Countries, 400+ Speakers, 75+ Sessions, 3000+ Delegates, 2000+Start-Ups, 600+ Exhibitors, 50,000+ Expo Footfall.