Strengthening its vision to become India’s leading AI and deep tech hub, Karnataka has announced a series of initiatives focused on innovation, startup growth and global collaboration. Ahead of the 29th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2026, State IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge declared the coming 10 years as Karnataka’s “deep tech decade”.
“Karnataka should and will lead India and the world in AI,” Kharge said while outlining the state’s long-term strategy to build a stronger deep tech ecosystem.
A major highlight is the launch of the Innoverse Foundation, a government-backed initiative that will mentor revenue-generating deep tech startups and help them scale into globally competitive businesses. The foundation will offer market access, capital connections and mentorship while inviting applications for its Deep Tech Enabler Programme.
The government also announced funding support through the Elevate and Elevate NxT programmes. Under Elevate NxT 2026, 33 deep tech startups have been selected to receive nearly ₹33 crore in grants. Each startup will receive between ₹85 lakh and ₹1 crore to support research and product development. Of the selected startups, 12 are women-led, reflecting growing diversity in India’s deep tech ecosystem.
Kharge also announced the Museum of Innovation, Startup & Technology (MIST), which is being positioned as India’s first museum dedicated to showcasing the country’s innovation and startup journey.
To help startups commercialise AI-powered solutions built on government datasets, the state will act as an early customer for eligible companies. The move is expected to provide startups with a reference client while accelerating the adoption of AI-driven public services.
The announcements come ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026, which will be held from November 17 to 19 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre under the theme ‘AI & Beyond’. The event is expected to host more than 1,800 exhibitors, 25,000 delegates and over 60,000 visitors from 75 countries.
The government also confirmed that the India edition of ChangeNOW will be co-located with BTS 2026. Additionally, embedded world India, organised in partnership with NürnbergMesse India, will debut with a dedicated conference and exhibition focused on electronics and semiconductors.
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