Minister Priyank Kharge Meets With Academia, R&D Institutions Ahead Of BTS 2025

Highlights:

• Minister Kharge meets with leading R&D and Academic Institutions ahead of BTS 2025

• Meet underscores the importance of bridging the industry-Academia-R&D Gap

• Minister Kharge highlights various govt. initiatives aimed at nurturing a skilled workforce in Emerging areas of technology

• Leadership from prominent research and academic institutions present at the Meet

Ahead of the highly anticipated Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, scheduled from 18th-20th November at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre, an exclusive interactive Academia & R&D Meet was held earlier today, further reinforcing the event’s mission to strengthen collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry. 

The meet was graced by Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka; along with Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka; Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Dept. of Electronics, IT & BT and MD, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri. Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, Event Curator for BTS 2025.  

Hon’ble Minister engaged with the attendees and shared his vision for advancing Karnataka’s global leadership in research-driven innovation and technology development.

In his address, Shri Priyank Kharge highlighted the crucial role of the academic and research community in driving a sustainable and inclusive innovation ecosystem. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between research and commercialization, ensuring that breakthroughs from Karnataka’s leading institutions translate into market-ready technologies and industry solutions.

He underscored the state’s commitment to fostering emerging technologies such as Quantum Computing, Semiconductor Design, AI, Robotics, SpaceTech, etc., through programs designed to empower researchers, startups, and students alike.

The event saw participation from leading research organizations, including ISRO, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Indian Institute of Astrophysics, CSIR- 4PI, DRDO- ECS, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), INCeNSE- IISc, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), IIIT-B, Bangalore Bio Innovation Centre, and more. Along with them, the meet saw participation from top universities & academic institutions such as Garden City University, St. Joseph’s University, Jain University, Dayananda Sagar University, Alliance University, Reva University, JSS Science & Technology University, Imperial College of London, University of Mysore, Bangalore University, Manipal University, Amity University, Soundarya Group of Institutions, Atria University, RV University, Mangalore University etc. The program was also attended by leading industry associations such as ABLE, IESA, NASSCOM, TiE. 

Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, shared an overview of BTS 2025, highlighting its expanded focus areas, global partnerships, and new programme initiatives like Future Makers Conclave & others. She also emphasized Karnataka’s immense talent pool, noting that the state remains India’s technology leader — powered by its strong academic and research ecosystem.

As BTS 2025 approaches, the Government of Karnataka extends an invitation to all stakeholders in academia, R&D, and industry to participate in this year’s edition — to collaborate, innovate, and co-create solutions that will define the future of technology and scientific advancement. 

Photo Caption: Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka along Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Dept. of Electronics, IT & BT and MD, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka at an exclusive interactive Academia & R&D Meet.