Bengaluru To Focus on Innovation, R&D and AI: Priyank Kharge

Karnataka Minister for IT, BT and RDPR Priyank Kharge on Tuesday said that Bengaluru will focus on innovation, research and development (R&A) and AI. Ahead of the 26th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2023, industry stakeholders held an open dialogue with the minister. 

In his address, Kharge emphasised the importance of innovation and R&D in the current technology landscape. “Earlier, technology meant IT services. Now it's more about innovation and R&D. Bengaluru has been known as an IT service hub, but we want to lead in innovation and R&D now,” he said. To achieve this, the Karnataka government plans to establish centres of excellence (CoE) and institutions that will facilitate knowledge sharing, industry collaboration and innovation.

The event saw the presence of key industry leaders representing various sectors such as IT, deeptech, electronics and semiconductors, telecom, animation, EV and gaming. Trade councils from various countries and leading R&D institute heads were also present during the interaction.

Commenting on AI regulation, Kharge said countries have different approaches to AI, some nations are very critical while others are pro-AI. He stressed that Karnataka government will not surprise the industry with its policy, rather it will look to facilitate the best way to leverage the technology to boost economy. “For greater understanding, we will collaborate with industry leaders and experts for the greater public good.”

Kharge also highlighted the state's focus on skill development projects to meet future demands. “We're investing heavily in skilling our workforce to meet the demands of the future. By 2027, the world will need over six million chip designers and we're working to ensure that we have enough talent to meet this demand,” he said.

“Not all startups need money, some need experts to guide them and some of the need incubation. To support the entrepreneurship, the government of Karnataka has devised schemes and policies. Urged all the industry leaders to embrace and leverage the benefits from Bengaluru startup ecosystem by barking the boundaries in upcoming BTS 23,” he added.

The meeting was attended by several officials, including Arvind Kumar, Director General of Software Technology Parks India, Dr Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Shri Shailendra Tyagi, Director, Software Technology Parks of India, Bengaluru, Shri Darshan H.V, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and Managing Director, KITS, Government of Karnataka, and Shri Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman of MM Activ.