At the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) Meet ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, Shri PriyankKharge, Hon’ble Minister of E, IT, BT, and RDPR, Govt. of Karnataka, highlighted Karnataka’s critical role in driving global innovation. He commended the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiatives for improving international market access for Indian startups and vice versa, and remarked that this is reflective of India’s shift from a service-based economy to a hub for R&D. Emphasizing the need for sector-specific skills corridors between sister cities, he envisioned an industry that equips local talent to work globally, fostering an equitable and thriving ecosystem for Karnataka and the world.

Shri Darshan H.V., IAS, Director, Department of E, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka, delivered the welcome address at the Global Innovation Alliance Partners Meet in Bangalore, setting the stage for a productive event ahead of the Blrtechsummit 2024.

The GIA Partners Meet at Blrtechsummit 2024 featured the Unbound film and a presentation by Dr. Ekroop Caur ,Secretary, Deptt of Electronics, IT, Bt and S&T, GoK , She outlined the summit’s five pillars and detailed GIA’s growth since 2018, highlighting Karnataka’s expansion to 30 international partnerships, its adaptation to COVID-19, & 8 MoUs, establishing the state as a global collaboration hub

She also introduced new initiatives like GIA MAP, GIA Mixer, and GIA Launchpad, and noted potential collaboration areas such as GCCs, AI & Cybersecurity, Lifesciences, Startups, Electronics, and Semiconductors.

Hilary McGeachy, Consul General, Australia, highlighted the growing tech partnership between India and Australia at the GIA Partner’s Meet. She emphasized Australia’s commitment to advancing “Women in Tech,” focusing on enhancing leadership roles and skilling opportunities for women in the industry.

Nakane Tsutomu, Consul General of Japan, highlighted the strong relationship between Karnataka and Japan. Karnataka is home to 238 Japanese companies and over 500 Japanese officials. He highlighted the importance of Karnataka’s skilled human resources in attracting Japanese investment to establish R&D centres.

Jonas Brunschwig, Consul General, Switzerland, spoke about the budding relationship with India through the Free Trade Agreement signed in March 2024. He said that there would be 10 startups participating at #BTS2024 across sectors like Deeptech, Healthtech, Cleantech and Foodtech.

James Godber, Deputy Head of Mission, UK, reflected on the success of last year’s BTS and expressed excitement for BTS2024. He also shared that he’s looking to ministry delegations to the event. Additionally, there will be a strong focus on AI and semiconductors. The leadership team from University College London (ranked 9th) will also be visiting to find opportunities for growth & collaboration.

Anne Cremers, Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands, spoke about the strong bond between India and the Netherlands. She focused on Dutch proficiency in water management, flood and drought solutions, and water treatment. She underscored the opportunity to use technology to address water challenges and partner with Indian firms.

Christopher Hodges, Consul General of the USA, acknowledged Bengaluru as a Home away from Home. He emphasized the USA’s strong participation in BTS2024, with AI as a focal point, with the support of USIBC & AMCHAM. He also he noted the presence of 650+ US firms in Karnataka & the potential for sister tech cities between San Francisco and Bengaluru.

Raghu Rajappa, Honorary Consul, Poland, spoke about Poland’s advancements in IT, biotech, startups, drones, and gaming. He is enthusiastic about the growing Polish startup ecosystem and anticipates fruitful collaboration with India’s startup ecosystem through BTS2024

..

Ajay KR