The 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, Asia’s largest technology event, has redefined the future of innovation with a bold, futuristic vision. Held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), this year’s summit marks a significant scale-up from its previous editions, aligning with Karnataka’s Deep Tech Decade ambition and positioning the state as a global hub for cutting-edge technology, especially in the fields of Space Tech and Defence.
Space Tech Policy: A New Era for India’s Space Industry
A major highlight of BTS 2025 is the announcement of three new policies: the IT Policy, Startup Policy, and, most notably, the Spacetech Policy. The Spacetech Policy is set to catalyze India’s space sector by providing a robust regulatory framework, incentivizing private sector participation, and fostering innovation in satellite technology, launch vehicles, and space-based applications.
The policy is designed to accelerate India’s journey from being a space-faring nation to a global leader in space technology. It will streamline licensing, encourage public-private partnerships, and create a supportive ecosystem for startups and established players alike. The government’s intent is clear: to make India a preferred destination for space tech investment, research, and development.
Key features of the Spacetech Policy include:
- Simplified licensing and regulatory processes for private space companies.
- Incentives for R&D in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and space-based applications.
- Support for startups through funding, mentorship, and access to infrastructure.
- Promotion of international collaborations and technology transfer.
The policy is expected to attract significant investment, create thousands of jobs, and position India as a key player in the global space economy. Industry leaders and policymakers at BTS 2025 have lauded the policy as a game-changer for the space tech industry, with the potential to unlock new opportunities in areas such as satellite communications, earth observation, and space exploration.
Defence Technology: Strengthening India’s Strategic Capabilities
Defence technology is another critical focus area at BTS 2025. The summit features dedicated sessions and exhibitions on defence innovation, showcasing the latest advancements in military hardware, cybersecurity, and strategic technologies. The event brings together leading defence companies, research institutions, and government agencies to discuss the future of defence technology and its role in national security.
The Defence SpaceTech track at BTS 2025 highlights the convergence of space and defence technologies, emphasizing the importance of space-based assets in modern warfare. Topics covered include satellite-based surveillance, secure communications, and the integration of AI and machine learning in defence systems.
Key highlights of the Defence Technology segment include:
- Showcasing of indigenous defence technologies and platforms.
- Discussions on the role of space tech in enhancing national security.
- Networking opportunities for defence startups and established players.
- Focus on cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure.
The summit also features high-profile speakers from the defence sector, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot astronaut, and other industry pioneers. Their insights provide valuable perspectives on the future of defence technology and the strategic importance of space-based assets.
Space Tech Industry: Driving Innovation and Growth
The Space Tech industry is at the forefront of innovation at BTS 2025. The summit features dedicated zones for corporates, startups, R&D labs, and country pavilions, showcasing the latest advancements in space technology. Over 1,000 exhibitors and 50,000 business visitors from 60 countries are participating, making it one of the largest global technology gatherings hosted by any state in India.
The SpaceTech zone at BTS 2025 highlights the growing ecosystem of space tech startups and established companies in Karnataka. These companies are working on a wide range of projects, from satellite manufacturing and launch services to space-based applications and research. The summit provides a platform for these companies to showcase their innovations, network with potential partners, and attract investment.
Key trends in the Space Tech industry at BTS 2025 include:
- Increased focus on small satellites and CubeSats.
- Advancements in satellite launch technologies.
- Development of space-based applications for agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
- Growing interest in space exploration and commercial space travel.
The summit also features specialized platforms like Investor Connect and Mentor Connect, enabling startups to engage directly with leading investors and industry leaders. These platforms aim to catalyze meaningful connections, capital access, and strategic guidance for the next generation of innovators.
Global Collaboration and Industry Partnerships
BTS 2025 is not just a national event but a global platform for collaboration and partnership. The summit features participation from over 60 countries, including Australia as the Country Partner, and NRW Global Business Germany and Norway as Country Focus Partners. Delegations from leading tech nations such as the USA, Russia, UK, Israel, and Japan are also participating, further strengthening the global footprint of the summit.
The event provides opportunities for international collaboration in space tech and defence, fostering technology transfer, joint research, and investment. The summit also features the India-USA Tech Conclave, which focuses on strengthening bilateral ties in technology and innovation.
Future Makers Conclave: Shaping the Next Wave of Entrepreneurship
The Future Makers Conclave is a flagship highlight of BTS 2025, bringing together founders, investors, and innovators to shape the next wave of entrepreneurship. The conclave features keynote addresses by industry leaders, fireside conversations with successful entrepreneurs, and investment announcements by leading venture capitalists.
The conclave aims to deliver tangible value for all participants, whether in capital access, pilots, business tools, mentoring, visibility, or networks. It is a platform for budding entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and seasoned entrepreneurs to scale up and make a significant impact in the space tech and defence industries.
KEO: Bridging the Digital Divide
In addition to the focus on space tech and defence, BTS 2025 also features the launch of KEO, India’s most affordable, compact, and AI-ready personal computer. Developed entirely in Karnataka, KEO is designed to bridge the digital access gap and empower citizens across the state.
Announcing the launch, Mr. Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & BT, said, “KEO is Karnataka’s practical answer to the digital divide. It is not a luxury device, it is an inclusion device. Affordable mass computing will allow every student, every small business and every household to participate fully in the digital economy.”
Mr. Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS, said: “KEONICS is leaning into its legacy and mission of driving electronics innovation. By adopting an open-source RISC-V stack, KEO strengthens Karnataka’s commitment to accessible, locally adaptable, home-grown computing solutions.”
KEO will be deployed across schools, universities, small businesses, government offices and homes, creating direct pathways for digital learning, skilling and entrepreneurship. It forms a core pillar of Karnataka’s mission to build decentralized tech growth across all districts and ensure equal digital opportunity for every citizen.
KEO is built on an open-source RISC-V processor with a Linux-based OS, offering a full computing experience at an accessible price point. It features 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, and audio jack support, and comes fully loaded with learning, programming, and productivity tools. KEO includes an on-device AI core, enabling AI to run locally without internet access, and comes preloaded with BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus to assist students even in low-connectivity regions.
The launch of KEO is a significant step towards ensuring equal digital opportunity for every citizen, creating direct pathways for digital learning, skilling, and entrepreneurship. It forms a core pillar of Karnataka’s mission to build decentralized tech growth across all districts and ensure equal digital opportunity for every citizen.
The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 aims to set the stage for the future of innovation in India. With a strong focus on Space Tech Policy and Defence, the summit is driving the growth of the space tech industry, strengthening national security, and fostering global collaboration. The launch of KEO further underscores the commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal opportunity for all. As Karnataka continues to lead the way in technology and innovation, BTS 2025 stands as a testament to the state’s vision and ambition.
