Karnataka Kicks Off Its Deep Tech Decade With ₹600 Crore Investment — Future Makers Conclave To Lead Charge At BTS 2025

Future Makers Conclave to Bring Together Startups, Investors and Innovators at BTS 2025

• FMC to be the flagship highlight of BTS 2025

• Official logo of Future Makers Conclave unveiled

• Focus on AI and DeepTech startup innovation

• Government Announces ₹600 Crore for Karnataka’s Deep Tech Decade

• State in discussions with VCs to expand DeepTech & AI fund to ₹1,000 crore

• Investors to announce new AI funding commitments

Ahead of the much-awaited 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2025), scheduled from 18 to 20 November 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, organised a press interaction today to announce the Future Makers Conclave (FMC) — a first-of-its-kind initiative and a major highlight of this year’s Summit. 

The meeting was graced by Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Manjula N, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt & S&T, Government of Karnataka; and Shri Rahul Sankanur, IAS, Director, Dept. of Electronics, IT & Bt and Managing Director, KITS, Government of Karnataka. 

The Future Makers Conclave, scheduled for 20 November 2025, will be a vibrant convergence of over 10,000 founders, entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders. Designed as a high-energy celebration of innovation, FMC will serve as a showcase for India’s most promising AI and DeepTech startups. The programme will include show-and-tell sessions by emerging technology ventures, keynotes by celebrity speakers, unicorn founders, investors, and industry captains. 

Government Announces ₹600 Crore for Karnataka’s Deep Tech Decade

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Priyank Kharge announced the Government’s ₹600 crore investment commitment to power the Deep Tech Decade, aimed at positioning Karnataka as the DeepTech Capital of India.

 

“This initiative reflects our vision to create a robust DeepTech pipeline supporting entrepreneurs working on technologies such as AI, ML, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and sustainability-driven innovation,” said Shri Kharge. “The Government of Karnataka is investing ₹600 crore in DeepTech and AI under this initiative and is in discussions with leading venture capital firms to create a joint fund of up to ₹1,000 crore dedicated to DeepTech and AI startups in the State. Our blueprint is ready, and we are serious about being global players in the technology landscape.”

 

The ₹600 crore investment in Deep Tech includes: 

• ₹150 crore for DeepTech Elevate Fund, with a special focus on AI and frontier technologies.

• ₹80 crore under the Elevate Beyond Bengaluru Fund to promote startups in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Kalaburagi.

• ₹75 crore through the KITVIN Fund for equity-based investments in DeepTech and AI startups,

with funding between ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore.

• ₹48 crore for new incubators and accelerators at IIT and IIIT Dharwad and Kalaburagi.

• ₹110 crore for business incubators in higher education institutions, nurturing early innovation and entrepreneurship across 11 institutions already cleared by the Cabinet.

He further stated that the Government will explore fund-of-funds and co-investment models with the VC ecosystem to ensure continuous capital flow and scalability across the DeepTech value chain.

 

Future Makers Conclave: Global Innovation Platform

Shri Priyank Kharge highlighted that the Future Makers Conclave will be India’s largest entrepreneurship platformfor young innovators and disruptors from across the globe. For the first time, the conclave will feature international participation, with global startups showcasing innovations in India while Indian startups present their technologies for global markets.

 

“Future Makers Conclave will be a confluence of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, corporate mentors, and future innovators,” said Shri Kharge. “The participation of global stakeholders will serve as an accelerator for startup ambitions and demonstrate Karnataka’s aggressive pursuit to be at the forefront of DeepTech innovation across verticals.”

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025: India’s Premier Technology Event

 

Dr. Manjula N, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt & S&T, Government of Karnataka, highlighted that the move to BIEC has allowed the Government to plan larger and more ambitious programmes such as the Future Makers Conclave. “BIEC offers world-class facilities and excellent connectivity, enabling BTS 2025 to host global participants and deliver an expanded experience for innovators and investors alike,” she added.

The 28th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2025) will be held from 18–20 November 2025 at BIEC, a modern, purpose-built venue offering world-class infrastructure and eco-conscious facilities. The event will feature:

• 500+ speakers

• 20,000+ delegates

• 1,000+ exhibitors

• 50,000+ business visitors from over 60 countries

Under the theme ‘Futurise’, the Summit will feature ten curated conference tracks spanning AI & DeepTech, Defence & SpaceTech, Electronics & Semiconductor, DigiHealth & Biotech, Energy & Mobility, Fintech, and Edutech.

 

The multi-pavilion exhibition will spotlight innovations across sectors with increased global participation. The Startup Springboard will feature investor pitching, mentoring clinics, thematic sessions, and the Startup Pavilion, offering growth-stage startups critical visibility and investor access.

 

Highlight programmes include the Rural IT Quiz, BioQuiz, Exhibitor Awards, and the Global Leaders Reception.

 

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the official logo of the Future Makers Conclave, released by Shri Priyank Kharge.

 

With its expanded scope, global participation, and deep focus on innovation, Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 reaffirms Karnataka’s position as the Innovation and DeepTech Capital of India, showcasing the State’s leadership in building technologies and startups that will shape the future.

 

To register for Future Makers Conclave, Visit : www.bengalurutechsummit.com

 

Photo Caption: From Left to Right: Dr. Manjula N., I.A.S, Secretary to Government, Dept. of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka; Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Directorate of Electronics, Science and technology IT&Bt, MD, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka addressing media at a press conference announcing Future Makers Conclave at BTS 2025.