He was speaking at the 26th edition of the state’s flagship tech showcase -- Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2023--that began on Wednesday. Data from Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) showed that India's IT exports was Rs 7.8 lakh crore during the same period.
The three-day summit based on the theme -- Breaking Boundaries – has set the stage for a convergence of tech leaders, startups, investors, and research labs from over 30 countries, to deliberate upon emerging technologies, ideas powering newer digital imperatives and how companies are navigating the future embracing AI as the gamechanger. BTS has also made a significant stride by committing to achieve net zero in the coming years.
“Karnataka is home to 14,000 startups contributing to an ecosystem valuation of $164 billion. We are home to around 40 unicorns, and the promise of upcoming unicorns on the horizon solidifies our position as a global innovation hub,” said Kharge. Bengaluru has clinched the 8th spot in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index by Startup Blink.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said the state has become the most sought-after destination for global capability centres (GCCs), hosting around 40% of GCCs in India. “The availability of a skilled digital talent pool, a thriving innovation and startup ecosystem, and a conducive policy environment have fuelled the growth story of GCCs in Karnataka,” said Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. India’s GCC market is expected to more than double to $110 billion by 2030 from the current $45 billion housing 2,500 tech centres, showed an EY report titled Future of GCCs in India—vision 2030.
Industries minister MB Patil said an interesting fact to note is that in the year 2000, there were less than 22 GCCs in Karnataka. “Currently, Karnataka is home to 440 GCCs. This means that the state has added approximately around 20 new GCCs every year from 2000 to 2022,” he said.
Siddaramaiah said Karnataka is home to over 5,500 IT/ITeS companies and approximately 750 MNCs. “This vibrant industry has not only provided direct employment to over 12 lakh professionals, but has also generated over 31 lakh indirect jobs,” he added. Besides IT/ITeS, Karnataka has over 40% share in electronics design, 52% share in machine tools manufacturing, a 65% share in aerospace & defence manufacturing and a 60% share in biotechnology exports, the government said. About 63% of the state’s total installed capacity in renewable energy is sourced from renewable sources.
Kharge said the state government has set up a Skill Advisory Committee for emerging technologies, with industry and academia as its partners.” The main objective of this committee is to provide guidance, policy advisory and action-oriented recommendations to bridge the skill gaps between industry requirements and Karnataka’s tech talent pool. This committee provides a collaborative framework for government, industry and academia to design, plan and implement skills development, programmes,” he added.
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has floated a novel idea seeking private sector participation and support from foundations in equipping rural education centres to hone their skills in emerging tech skills which is reshaping the tech landscape. “I’m creating a new education system for rural Karnataka. I would seek your support in deploying your CSR funds to play the catalyst in developing the skills of students in rural Karnataka. I spoke to Azim Premji Foundation and various other leaders, and they have come forward with a commitment of over Rs 2,000 crore to be spent on primary education in rural areas,” he said.
