Sustainability In Action: RPG Group To Invest $1.6 Million In A Climate Resilience Project In Andhra Pradesh

 Asvata Climate Solutions, the carbon credit venture of the Group, partners with Equilibrium to scale the regenerative agriculture project, benefiting over 10,000 farmers

Asvata Climate Solutions, the carbon credit venture of RPG Group, and Equilibrium, announced a strategic partnership to scale a regenerative agriculture project in Andhra Pradesh. The project, under execution in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, will benefit over 40,000 livelihoods, including 10,000 small holder farmers in the region

A combined investment of approx. $2 million from Asvata and Equilibrium will be utilised to restore 8,000 hectares of farmland, sequestering 30,000 tonnes of CO₂e annually. 

Key intervention areas:

1. Educating and supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), reduced tillage, and cover cropping. 

2. These techniques reduce water use by up to 30%, lower input costs, and improve soil health, while unlocking new income streams through carbon markets. 

Asvata and Equilibrium will work together on project strategy, with Equilibrium leading project management and execution. The interventions are projected to extend to 25,000 hectares of land by 2027 as the project progresses.

Navin Mathur, COO, Asvata Climate Solutions, said, “At Asvata, our core promise is building scalable climate solutions that deliver measurable impact to benefit the planet, people and businesses. Together with Equilibrium, our investment is to support climate-smart agriculture and drive inclusive, long-term resilience.”

Siddhanth Jayaram, Founder, Equilibrium, said, "At Equilibrium, we design every intervention to reflect the realities of local landscapes. In Andhra Pradesh, our project has helped tackle water stress, improve soil health and crop yields there by ensuring transition to climate smart agriculture remains permanent over decades. This partnership with Asvata reinforces the quality and impact of our interventions. Collectively, we are excited to scale and build solutions that can stand as models for climate leadership in the global south.” 

This project is built on a blended finance model that brings together philanthropic support, catalytic funding, and commercial investment. This structured approach has enabled the initiative to scale effectively while maintaining measurable impact for farmers, supported by Equilibrium’s proprietary digital MRV (D-MRV) platform to monitor water savings, soil health improvements, and carbon sequestration in real time.  

As climate variability and unpredictable rainfall increasingly affect farming in Andhra Pradesh, the model presents a practical, replicable pathway for climate adaptation in other regions.

USAID’s Water and Energy for Food program and Equilibrium provided the early-stage risk capital to invest in areas where traditional finance rarely flows; in community mobilisation, farmer training, and the design of robust data systems that anchor on credibility and long-term impact. 

About Asvata Climate Solutions:

Asvata, the carbon credit venture of RPG Group, is on a mission to take climate actions that create multiple positive effects. Our projects benefit communities, ecosystems and living environments. We work in the Compliance and Voluntary carbon markets. We finance and develop a wide portfolio of community-based, nature-based, industrial, energy efficiency and waste management projects. RPG Enterprises, established in 1979, is one of India’s fastest-growing business groups with a turnover of USD 5.2 billion.  

Know more about RPG / Learn more about Asvata - https://www.asvata.com/ Follow Asvata on LinkedIn  

About Equilibrium:

Equilibrium is a full-stack carbon removal company that builds scalable, high-integrity carbon projects in the global south. With a focus on advanced climate science, digital MRV, and blended finance models Equilibrium works with various private corporations, public institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations to deliver measurable long-term climate resilience. Since 2022, we’ve built a portfolio of nature based and engineered carbon removal across agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, mangrove, and biochar projects across India- supporting over 60,000 farmers and coastal communities, with a pipeline of over 10 million tonnes of permanent CO₂ removal.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Ranks 1st In Middle East And 8th Globally In 2025 TripAdvisor Report

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has achieved a new global milestone by advancing to higher ranks on the list of the world’s most prominent landmarks, according to leading travel and tourism platform TripAdvisor’s 2025 global report.

In the Top Attractions category, the SZGM ranked eighth globally among 25 distinguished landmarks, climbing two places from its 2024 ranking. It also retained its position as the number one attraction in the Middle East in this category, topping a list of the region’s ten most iconic sites.

SZGM’s global ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of more than eight million landmarks worldwide. It ranked within the top one per cent of all sites reviewed, reflecting its distinguished status both regionally and internationally, and reaffirming its leading role in promoting cultural tourism in the United Arab Emirates.

In another notable accomplishment, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah was ranked among the top 10 per cent of landmarks worldwide, according to selections made by travellers from across the globe. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the recent activation of visitor services at the mosque. These milestones, achieved by both mosques, affirm their leadership as cultural destinations on the global tourism map. Both have become prominent international landmarks, drawing visitors from diverse cultures around the world.

His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), said: “The global recognition attained by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi reflects the visionary leadership of the UAE. It is the outcome of the centre’s strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing services and providing exceptional experiences for its guests. This success crowns a continuous series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year. These efforts have included the development of both cultural and physical infrastructure, enhancement of facilities, excellence in specialist staff, and the empowerment of Emirati youth by qualifying them to deliver cultural tours and host the mosque’s diverse visitors through distinguished programmes that embody the mosque’s civilisational message.”

His Excellency added: “These accomplishments open new horizons for the centre, through which we anticipate the future with strategies and plans that enable it to continue fulfilling its civilisational mission with greater efficiency. They also allow us to consistently enrich the guest experience through religious and cultural programmes, exhibitions, and initiatives that reflect the mosque’s message - presented in innovative formats and a refined manner that meets aspirations and fulfils our vision.”

The high international rankings achieved by SZGM in Abu Dhabi underscore its global distinction as a unique model among places of worship and cultural landmarks, serving as a benchmark in the region and beyond. Its role extends beyond that of a religious site hosting prayers and rituals - it stands out as a beacon of civilisation and culture, advancing the UAE’s message of peaceful coexistence and harmony.

The SZGM also revives and celebrates the elements of Islamic civilisation, embodying a distinctive architectural representation of Islamic art and heritage. It has established itself as a singular cultural tourism destination, welcoming more than seven million visitors and worshippers annually from across the globe. Within its serene spaces, people of different cultures and faiths come together, forming a human tapestry framed by values of fraternity -within a sanctuary of peace and coexistence. Shared human values bind them, and the language of civilisational dialogue becomes the bridge through which they transcend all differences.

The SZGMC is steadfast in its continuous development of diverse, integrated services across all its landmarks and facilities, maintaining the highest standards to meet the evolving needs of its guests. At the SZGM in Abu Dhabi, visitors can spend an entire day enjoying a wide array of offerings - from the visitor centre, which includes exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a library, to Souq Al Jami’, featuring shops, recreational spaces, and restaurants catering to all age groups. These facilities offer moments of rest and enjoyment within a unique atmosphere, further complemented by the mosque’s jogging track that invites community members of all backgrounds to engage in physical activity while taking in the breathtaking exterior views of the SZGM.

The SZGMC operates under a strategic plan, implemented through a cohesive system led by highly skilled professionals across various disciplines. These national talents work to provide exceptional cultural experiences to visitors from around the world. Among the most distinguished of these are the cultural tours, which are delivered by a select group of Emirati Cultural Tour Specialists who represent the UAE’s civilisational identity and promote its message of peace and harmony.

Owing to its prestigious global standing, the SZGM has become a key destination for high-level dignitaries visiting the UAE. Overseas visitors account for approximately 82 per cent of its total guests. In the first half of the current year, the SZGMC continued to expand its innovative services and experiences, contributing to a notable rise in visitor numbers. Among the most prominent offerings are the general cultural tours and the ‘Unseen Glimpses’ tours - guided experiences delivered aboard custom electric club cars that offer guests exclusive insights into areas previously unexplored by the public.

These experiences are part of an integrated set of high-standard services and activities, including Souq Al Jami, the mosque’s jogging track, and the Sura evening tours, which grant visitors access to the mosque 24 hours a day. The Sura experience is designed for visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE who are on short transit stays or unable to visit during regular hours. It offers them an opportunity to witness aspects of the mosque not typically accessible during the day, such as scheduled maintenance and extraordinary cleaning operations.

The SZGMC also provides El-Delleel, a multimedia device that offers immersive cultural tours in 14 international languages, including a dedicated sign language tour designed for guests who are deaf or have hearing impairments, as well as tailored tours for children -ensuring an inclusive visitor experience.

Reflecting the SZGMC’s continuous expansion in offering distinguished cultural experiences, the Dome of Peace at SZGM has emerged as a leading cultural destination in Abu Dhabi, providing visitors with a comprehensive and immersive journey that blends authenticity with innovation, all within a single, integrated space.

The SZGMC has played a pivotal role in reinforcing the SZGM’s standing as a global hub for cultural dialogue, through diverse facilities that include the specialised Al Jami Library, a cultural auditorium, and a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions that spotlight ancient civilisations. Among the most notable exhibitions are Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation, Coins of Islam: History Revealed, Islamic Coins: Civilisational Testimonies, Artistic Characteristics – Elegant Calligraphy and Inspiring Features, and the Hajj: Memories of a Journey, exhibition.

Additionally, the Light & Peace Museum offers a dynamic, interactive space that fuses art with knowledge, while the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience invites visitors on a sensory journey. Presented in a 360-degree format with sound, visual, and wind effects, the experience takes guests from a celestial realm illuminated by starlight to the very heart of the UAE’s heritage, visually narrating the SZGM’s enduring message of coexistence and peace.

Xpedeon Powers Digital Transformation At Inderjit Mehta Constructions Pvt. Ltd.

A Leading Infrastructure Force with 40+ Years of Legacy

Partnership with Xpedeon brings agility, transparency, and digital control to IJMCPL’s large-scale public infrastructure operations.

Xpedeon, a leading provider of ERP solutions purpose-built for the construction and infrastructure industry, has been selected as the digital transformation partner by Inderjit Mehta Constructions Pvt. Ltd. (IJMCPL), one of India’s most respected civil construction companies with over four decades of experience in executing large, mission-critical projects. With this nationwide implementation, Xpedeon’s ERP platform will unify IJMCPL’s operations, bringing digital intelligence and real-time control to the heart of public as well as private sector construction. The collaboration marks a significant leap forward in modernizing infrastructure delivery for one of India’s most respected government contractors.

Headquartered in Gurugram, IJMCPL has carved its niche as a Super Special Class Government contractor, having delivered over 50 landmark projects across highways, residential complexes, defence infrastructure, sports facilities, and oil & gas pipelines. With a development footprint spanning over 525 km of steel pipeline networks and a workforce of 3,000+, the company is known for its engineering rigour, delivery excellence, and national impact. 

This strategic partnership with Xpedeon marks a transformative leap for IJMCPL as it accelerates toward smarter, tech-enabled execution across its expanding portfolio. 

“At Xpedeon, we’re proud to partner with a stalwart like Inderjit Mehta Constructions,” said Janak Vakharia, CEO, Xpedeon. “IJMCPL’s scale, legacy, and government-aligned mandate make it a vital pillar in India’s infrastructure growth story. Our ERP platform is engineered to digitize every layer of construction management — enabling real-time control, cost optimization, and operational agility. Together, we are shaping a future-ready infrastructure model.”

Mr. Akhil Mehta, Director at IJMCPL, shared, “Xpedeon’s ERP has become the digital backbone of our operations — unifying everything from procurement and contracts to billing and site-level execution. In an environment where precision, compliance, and timelines are paramount, their platform gives us complete visibility and control. This partnership isn’t just about automation — it’s about building a strategic edge as we scale across sectors.”

The digital transformation is already helping IJMCPL reinforce its project management systems, gain real-time visibility, and drive transparency across critical workflows. With Xpedeon’s platform seamlessly integrating procurement, contracts, budgeting, and on-ground execution, IJMCPL is now better equipped to manage complexity, reduce redundancies, and accelerate project cycles across its government contracts. The move also empowers cross-functional teams with unified data and actionable insights — a significant shift from legacy systems to smart, responsive infrastructure delivery. This collaboration is expected to set a new benchmark for ERP-enabled execution in the government contracting and infrastructure sector, where precision, compliance, and agility are indispensable to success. 

Key benefits observed post-deployment include:

• Real-time access to project and cost data for better decision-making

• Streamlined workflows and improved inter-departmental coordination

• Enhanced financial visibility and cost tracking

• Centralized vendor and contract management

With Xpedeon at the digital core of its operations, IJMCPL is now geared to deliver projects with greater precision, speed, and transparency—strengthening its leadership in India’s infrastructure sector.

Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Announces 40 Semi-Finalist Teams Driving Grassroots Innovation Across India

·       Semi-finalists will receive mentorship, prototyping support and access to innovation platforms to further develop their ideas

·       Top 40 teams will be awarded INR 8 lakh, while each team member will get a Samsung laptop

Samsung India, the nation’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the national shortlist of 40 semi-finalist teams for the fourth edition of its nationwide innovation contest for the youth, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. These teams will now progress to the next phase of the competition, where they will receive mentorship, prototyping support and access to innovation platforms to further develop their ideas for societal impact.

 

This year’s semi-finalists represent remarkable geographical diversity, with participants from 15 Indian states, including remote regions such as Cachar (Assam), Baghpat (Uttar Pradesh), Mahabubnagar (Telangana), Durg (Chattisgarh) and Sundargarh (Odisha). The programme continues to champion young changemakers from across the country, enabling them to address real-world challenges through the power of technology and innovation.

 

The 2025 edition of Solve for Tomorrow invited entries under four key themes:

·       AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat

·       The Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India

·       Social Change through Sports and Technology for Education and Better Futures

·       Environmental Sustainability through Technology 

 

The shortlisted ideas reflect the evolving priorities of Indian society—ranging from AI-led tools for air quality monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and clean water access, to smart solutions for food waste and e-waste management. Other innovations include gamified learning for students from underserved communities, personalised coaching apps, and sports-led interventions for children with autism. In the health and research domains, projects span early lung cancer detection and mental wellness tools to simplifying technical research through intelligent data scraping.

 

“We are excited to announce the Top 40 semi-finalist teams of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025. These young innovators, including those from Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, and remote regions, are using technology to solve real societal challenges. Their ideas reflect the incredible potential of India’s youth to drive meaningful change. As they move into the next phase, we remain committed to supporting them with mentorship, resources, and a platform to turn their ideas into real-world impact for a smarter, more inclusive Bharat,” said SP Chun, Corporate Vice President, Samsung Southwest Asia.

 

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. This year’s approach focused on regional representation, and it is clearly reflected in the range and depth of shortlisted ideas. These young innovators have the potential to shape India’s future start-up ecosystem,” said Dr Nikhil Agrawal, Managing Director, FITT-IIT Delhi.

 

What Lies Ahead for the Semi-Finalists?

As part of their journey in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025, the top 40 teams will participate in an intensive Innovation Bootcamp, designed to help them turn their ideas into viable prototypes. During this phase, participants will meet and engage with leaders and experts across Samsung R&D and Southwest Asia operations. They will also attend curated training sessions led by industry and government experts at IIT Delhi, gaining hands-on insights into innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. The bootcamp includes structured prototyping support from IIT Delhi mentors and alumni of previous Samsung Solve for Tomorrow editions, ensuring continuity of learning and mentorship. Following the bootcamp, a National Pitch Event will be held where a select Samsung Jury will evaluate and shortlist the final 20 teams who will move forward in the competition.

 

Awards and Support

·       Top 40 Teams – Will be awarded INR 8 lakh, while each team member will get a Samsung laptop

·       Top 20 Teams – Will receive INR 20 lakh and the newest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip smartphones

·       Four Winning Teams at the Grand Finale – Will receive an incubation grant of INR 1 crore at IIT Delhi to scale their innovations

·       Special Awards at the Grand Finale – Goodwill Award, Young Innovator Award, and Social Media Champion, with a combined prize money of INR 4.5 lakh

 A Global Vision for Youth Empowerment

Launched in the United States in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow is now active in 68 countries and has engaged over 3 million young people worldwide. The initiative aligns with Samsung Electronics’ global CSR vision – “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People” – aimed at equipping young people with the education, skills and opportunities to become future-ready leaders.

 

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-solve-for-tomorrow-announces-40-semi-finalist-teams-driving-grassroots-innovation-across-india 

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

Serving Stories Of Courage— Maayaa Launches A Culinary Campaign Celebrating South India’s Patriots

 A Limited-Edition Thali Revives the Memories of Our Freedom Fighters Through the Flavours They Once Relished

Maayaa — culinary exotica from South India, a restaurant renowned for celebrating heritage through cuisine, is commemorating Independence Day with a tribute deeply rooted in our culinary heritage. A limited-edition Thali will be available from August 10 to 15. Each dish in this thoughtfully curated thali draws inspiration from the foods once consumed by South India’s valiant freedom fighters, linking plate to patriotism in a way never seen before.

The meal is accompanied by a banana leaf-shaped placemat, featuring the illustrated portrait of a freedom fighter, their region of resistance, a two-line legacy note, and a brief story of the dish they inspired. A surprise item in each thali deepens the immersive experience.

“At Maayaa, we believe every ingredient has a story — and some are woven with the courage of our heroes. This thali is our way of honouring South India’s freedom fighters by bringing their food to the forefront. Their meals reflected their grit, their geography, and their spirit. With this tribute, we hope to keep their legacy alive by serving dishes that carry the warmth of their stories, said, Uzma Irfan, Founder, Maayaa.

Some dishes featured in the thali include:

· Ragi Mudde with Avarekalu Saaru

Inspired by Kittur Rani Chennamma (Karnataka, 1824), a staple among grassroots revolutionaries in Karnataka, this nourishing millet-ball and field bean broth was a hearty, farm-sourced meal that sustained them during underground resistance.

· Akki Roti with Coconut Chutney

Inspired by Sangolli Rayanna (Karnataka, 1831), this humble rice bread was made with love in rural kitchens and sustained many guerrilla fighters in the forests of Mysore and Coorg. Easy to carry, easy to cook, and packed with local flavour.

· Vazhaipoo Vadai

Inspired by Velu Nachiyar (Tamil Nadu, 1780), a crisp banana flower fritter deeply rooted in Tamil households. Known for its medicinal qualities, this dish was eaten by rebel families in the Madurai region as a symbol of self-reliance.

· Kanji Rice with Thogayal

Inspired by K. Kelappan (Kerala, Salt Satyagraha, 1930), a humble rice gruel that sustained thousands during protests, Kanji was closely linked to K. Kelappan’s satyagraha days, simple, sattvic, and symbolic of Gandhian ideals.

This unique celebration will be available for dine-in only at Maayaa from August 10–15, and is priced at ₹1099.

About Maayaa: Maayaa is a land that is created to fulfil your hunger beyond food! Bringing together the best and the most unique aspects from the South of India, Maayaa is an alluring and vibrant land where you find satisfaction. Maayaa has so much to offer – from the yummiest South Indian recipes and mouth-watering seafood, to the warm and beachy interiors, everything is designed to transport you to your happy place. Every single item on the menu is prepared authentically, with genuine ingredients, staying true to the original culture of each recipe.

Burnt Toast Opens First Inaugural 2,500 Sq. Ft Store In Bangalore

Trent Ltd. introduces its new fashion brand, Burnt Toast, with its inaugural store in Bangalore.

Trent Ltd. announces the launch of its newest fashion label Burnt Toast. The launch represents a strategic leap into the dynamic youth fashion segment, offering a vibrant and budget-conscious aesthetic tailored for the fashion-forward consumer.

Located at MM Complex, No. 23, 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari, the 2,500 sq. ft. store is set to make a bold statement at the heart of one of South Bangalore’s most buzzing fashion hubs.

“Bangalore, with its dynamic youth culture and ever-evolving fashion sensibilities, is the perfect home for Burnt Toast’s debut,” said Mr. P. Venkatesalu, Managing Director, Trent Ltd. “We’re excited to connect with the young voices of the city who don’t just follow trends, they shape them.”

Thoughtfully designed to foster a vibrant community atmosphere, the store features Burnt Toast’s signature bestsellers, trend-forward seasonal drops and standout pieces. Its striking interiors, bold visual elements, and immersive vibe makes every visit a new experience.

Catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets, the brand offers thoughtfully designed and affordable trend-forward pieces, that speak to the global aspirations of today’s youth. Featuring elevated comfort, trendy silhouettes, and a refined aesthetic, the diverse range ensures that everyone can find something that fits their style and needs.

With plans to expand across more cities, Burnt Toast is more than a fashion label it’s a cultural movement, empowering India’s youth to own their style, their story, and their space.

About the brand-

Burnt Toast is inspired by the idea that sometimes the most extraordinary things emerge from the unexpected. Blending contemporary trends with effortless ease, we have created pieces that move seamlessly from casual hangouts to more curated moments, always with a sense of fun and connection. More than just fashion, Burnt Toast is a lifestyle proposition a celebration of self-expression and community, where style becomes a shared experience. From bold apparel to statement accessories, our brand inspires the young, dynamic youth to live authentically, with style that transcends fashion.

Tech Titans Converge As Govt. of Karnataka Announces 28th Edition Of Bengaluru Tech Summ

• Asia’s Largest Tech Event to Be Held at BIEC

Highlights:

• BTS 2025 to debut at BIEC with Global Participation

• 10 conference tracks aligned with ‘Futurise’ theme

• Over 1,00,000 attendees expected at BTS 2025

• Summit to spotlight global tech and sustainability

• GoK hosts 200+ CEOs for a Breakfast Meet ahead of BTS2025

• Karnataka unveils Tech Landscape Progress Report, Launches KATALYST- EoDB Cell

 

Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka, 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.

To meet the growing scale and demand of the event, BTS 2025 will, for the first time, be hosted at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), a purpose-built, eco-conscious venue featuring world-class infrastructure, expansive exhibition halls, cutting-edge conference facilities and seamless connectivity via Namma Metro. This new home marks a bold leap in scale and ambition for BTS.

The summit is expected to bring together over 1,00,000 attendees, including 20,000+ startup founders, 1,000+ investors, 15,000+ delegates, 600+ speakers, and 1,200+ exhibitors. The event will host over 100 knowledge sessions, 5,000+ curated meetings and welcome participation from 60+ countries and all 36 States and Union Territories of India.

The theme of BTS 2025 is 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.

This year’s Exhibition will be bigger than ever, showcasing innovation, collaboration, and commerce across multiple pavilions. With over 1,200 Indian & global exhibitors, it will feature diverse sectors and cutting-edge technologies, making it the business engine of the summit.

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.

‘Conversation with Hon’ble Chief Minister’ - CEO Breakfast Meet held, a Breakfast Meet with with 200 top CEOs was held in the presence of Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka and Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble Chief Minister.

The questions and observations shared by the industry members were met with insightful responses from Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri 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.”

Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble 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- Shri S. Gopalakrishnan (Kris), Chairperson, Vision Group on IT & Electronics; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotech; Shri 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 Shri Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS and Shri 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.

As we head towards November, Bengaluru is set to welcome the world of technology once again, bringing together visionaries, innovators and leaders to Futurise ideas that will shape our tomorrow.

For more information on BTS 2025, visit www.bengalurutechsummit.com

Photo Caption: From L to R - Shri Priyank Kharge , Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of K'taka (GoK); Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of the Vision Group on Information Technology, GoK; Chairman of RBIH (Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub); Chairman of CII Centre of Excellence in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Startups (CIES); Shri Siddaramaiah , Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri D.K. Shivakumar , Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister; Chairman, Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited, GoK; Shri Sharath Bachegowda, Chairman, Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited, GoK; Dr. Ekroop Caur , IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Government of Karnataka at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 Press Conference, held on 11th of August 2025 at the Taj Westend, Bengaluru.