Bengaluru: Karnataka’s capital is gearing up for its most ambitious technology showcase yet as the Government of Karnataka announces the 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2025). Set to take place from 18-20 November at the futuristic Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), BTS 2025 will spotlight defence and spacetech as key pillars of India’s technological ascent. Industry titans, government officials, and global innovators will converge to “Futurise”—a rallying theme urging stakeholders to reimagine, innovate, and implement disruptive technologies, especially in national security and space exploration.
Defence & Spacetech Take Centre Stage
This year, for the first time, Defence & Spacetech will be featured as a distinct and prominent track alongside established domains like IT, DeepTech, Digital Health, Biotech, and AI. The defence and space innovation agenda aligns closely with India’s strategic priorities for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), national security, and global leadership in high-impact tech sectors.
The spacetech focus is especially pronounced against the backdrop of ISRO’s recent successes and the burgeoning Indian private space ecosystem.
On the defence side, Bengaluru—home to DRDO, HAL, BEL and a thriving constellation of deeptech startups—plans to showcase cutting-edge advancements in aerospace, unmanned systems, cyber defence, quantum security, and battlefield AI.
New Venue, Larger Canvas
Mr. Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka, later announced the 28th edition of Asia’s largest Technology Show, Bengaluru Tech Summit, at a Press Conference held in Bengaluru today. Scheduled from 18-20 November 2025, BTS 2025 will once again position Bengaluru at the forefront of global tech innovation & collaboration.
BTS’s move to the BIEC—a green, purpose-built venue with world-class infrastructure and seamless metro connectivity—marks a quantum leap in scale and ambition for the summit. Over 1,00,000 attendees are expected, with strong representation from India’s defence, aerospace, and spacetech sectors:
- 600+ speakers will deliberate on themes from quantum computing to the militarisation of space.
- 1200+ exhibitors will display innovations across multiple pavilions, including a dedicated spacetech and defence zone.
- Global Innovation Alliance delegations will bring international perspectives from 60+ countries, catalyzing cross-border defence R&D tie-ups.
- The theme Futurise, a powerful call to action to imagine, innovate, and implement technologies that will shape the decades ahead, driving transformation across diverse sectors of the tech ecosystem.
- The conference will feature 10 tracks including IT & DeepTech, Electro-Semicon, Digital Health & Biotech, the Startup Ecosystem, Global Collaboration and India- USA Tech Conclave, along with bold new tracks viz., AI Universe, Finverse, Defence & Spacetech and My Planet My Future.
- A major highlight will be the Future Makers Conclave, an immersive programme showcasing a diverse constellation of changemakers, entrepreneurs, adventurers, artists and pioneers to be attended by more than 20,000 startup founders and ecosystem members.
- BTS 2025 will host minister-led country delegations comprising industry captains, innovative startups, leading researchers and prominent academic representatives. These delegations, brought together under the Global Innovation Alliance, will foster cross-border collaborations, knowledge exchange and opportunities for co-creation across emerging technology domains.
- The event will feature a special focus on startups through the Startup Springboard, a curated programme that connects high-potential ventures with investors, mentors, and global networks. Activities will include Investor Pitching sessions led by top VC networks, one-on-one Mentoring clinics with industry experts, a dedicated Startup Pavilion in the exhibition and exclusive investor connect opportunities. Startups will also benefit from focused thematic sessions on scaling, fundraising, and international market access, alongside recognition through the prestigious Startup Awards.
- Special programmes like the Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz, Bio Posters, IT, Bio and Exhibitor awards and Global Leaders Reception will further enrich the experience.
Earlier in the day, a breakfast meet with 200 top CEOs was held in the presence of Mr Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka and Mr. D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister.
The meet was planned to formally announce Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 and engage with the industry captains from diverse sectors to hear their views on key strategies and initiatives for Karnataka to continue its leadership position across technology sectors.
Leading industry bodies such as NASSCOM, IESA, TiE Bangalore, ABLE, and ABAI brought together CEOs, founders, and innovators from IT & DeepTech, Biotech & HealthTech, Electronics & Semiconductors, Defence & Space Tech, FinTech, and AVGC to engage in this future-focused dialogue with the Chief Minister.
The questions and observations shared by the industry members were met with insightful responses from Mr. Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT & BT and RDPR, Government of Karnataka. He highlighted that with its bold new vision, expanded scale, and global outlook, BTS 2025 is set to further strengthen Karnataka’s leadership in shaping the future of technology, innovation, and sustainable development for India and the world.
While addressing the gathering of CEOs against the backdrop of the announcement of BTS 2025 at BIEC, the Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “Karnataka has always been more than a participant in India’s growth story, we have been its pioneer. From launching India’s first IT policy in 1997 to unveiling the country’s first state Quantum Technology Roadmap in 2024, we have consistently anticipated and prepared for the future. With 44% of India’s software exports, over 18,300 startups, 875+ Global Capability Centres, and nearly half of the nation’s AI talent, we are not just embracing emerging technologies; we are defining them. Our mission is to make Karnataka the place the world looks to for leadership in innovation, talent, and technology.”
Mr. D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the government’s focus on inclusive growth and world-class infrastructure. He said, “We are building a Karnataka rooted in inclusivity, empowerment and shared prosperity. Beyond policies, our focus is on trust, collaboration and real outcomes. From expanding Namma Metro and suburban rail to developing elevated corridors and the Bengaluru Business Corridor, alongside ease-of-doing-business reforms and skill initiatives, our aim is to connect people to purpose and make Bengaluru a city where world-class mobility meets world-class livability, positioning Karnataka as the global hub for talent, investment and innovation.”
The august gathering was also addressed by the chairpersons of the four Vision Groups of Government of Karnataka- Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan (Kris), Chairperson, Vision Group on IT & Electronics; Mr. Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Vision Group on Startups; Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairperson, Vision Group on Space; where each offered valuable perspectives on the current sectoral landscape, opportunities and strategic direction within their respective sectors. The occasion was also graced by Mr. Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS and Mr. BV Naidu, Chairman, KDEM.
Prior to the interaction, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, presented the ‘Action Taken Report’, a follow-up to the discussions at last year’s CM’s Breakfast Meet. The report reflected the Government of Karnataka’s commitment to transparent, structured, and outcome-driven collaboration, along with continuous engagement with the industry.
Dr. Caur also shared a comprehensive overview of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, outlining the vision for this year’s edition and unveiling several new initiatives aimed at elevating the scale, scope and global engagement of the event.
The Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka also announced the launch of KATALYST, a dedicated Ease of Doing Business cell to support Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Karnataka. This initiative, aligned with the State’s GCC Policy 2024-2029, aims to streamline new investments, fast-track setup processes and deepen collaboration of GCCs with the broader innovation ecosystem.
Space Innovation: Beyond Launch Pads
During the exchange of ideas, Dr. S. Somanath, former ISRO Chairman set the tone for the space agenda:
Ecosystem Shift: India’s space program is rapidly evolving from a government-led enterprise to a dynamic stakeholder-driven model. This shift is enabling the rise of private satellite manufacturers, launch vehicle startups, and data services ventures—sectors poised for accelerated growth.
Investment in Advanced Technologies: Dr. Somanath called for major investments in next-generation manufacturing, urging creation of dedicated tooling hubs for the space sector. Such capabilities are critical for maintaining India’s edge in the fiercely competitive global market.
Skill Development: University engagement is essential for a skilled space workforce. With programs like ISRO’s START 2025, awareness and participation in space science careers are being vigorously promoted. The focus is on bridging the skills gap and boosting research-industry synergy.
Industry-Academia Collaboration: “We must bridge the persistent gap between academic research and industrial application in aerospace and space tech,” said Dr. Somanath. Robust partnerships are key to translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world national capability and marketable technologies.
Defence Tech: Innovation for Security
Bengaluru’s historic leadership in aerospace and electronics is evolving with the times, placing cutting-edge defence startups and scaleups at the heart of the summit. The event will highlight:
Emerging Trends: Exhibitions and panels will cover AI-powered surveillance, electronic warfare, secure communications, and autonomy in land, sea, and air platforms.
Startup Springboard: High-potential defence and spacetech ventures will be matched with investors, mentors, and government buyers. VC pitching, curated B2B meetings, and product launches are set to accelerate the commercialisation of dual-use technologies.
Policy Momentum: Karnataka’s Tech Landscape Progress Report will showcase advances in R&D productivity, patent filings, and global partnerships in defence and space, bolstered by recent ease-of-doing-business reforms and proactive government support.
Visionaries Speak: Karnataka’s Tech Ambitions
In an address to the CEOs across sectors, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed Karnataka’s trailblazing credentials, “From launching India’s first IT policy in 1997 to the state Quantum Technology Roadmap in 2024, Karnataka does not merely participate in the digital economy—it shapes its future. With nearly half of India’s AI talent and 44% of software exports, our mission now is to make Karnataka the world’s innovation leader in advanced technology, with spacetech and defence front and centre.”
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasised the imperative of inclusive innovation and seamless infrastructure: expanding mass transit (Namma Metro, suburban rail), developing the Bengaluru Business Corridor, and ensuring that tech growth uplifts every stratum of society.
Strategic New Initiatives
Future Makers Conclave: Over 20,000 founders and builders will immerse in content from innovators, adventurers, and pioneers defining the next frontiers.
Recognition: The summit will bestow prestigious awards for excellence across IT, biotech, defence, and spacetech, further incentivising best-in-class development.
With its broadened scale, next-gen venue, and intense focus on Defence and Spacetech, BTS 2025 is poised to project Bengaluru—and India—as a crucible for innovation in the technologies that will define global power and progress for decades to come.
As November approaches, the world’s gaze will turn to Bengaluru, where the blueprints for the next era of technological, defence, and spacetech leadership will be drawn.
