Bengaluru, NFAPost: Stage is set for grand opening of the 26th edition of Asia’s largest tech conclave Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS2023) tomorrow.
The three-day tech fest, which is organised by the IT-BT Ministry, Government of Karnataka, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and will see attendance from ministers and dignitaries from countries part of the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA).
The theme for the 26th edition BTS is Breaking Boundaries which sets convergence of a set of tech leaders, startups, investors and research labs from 30 countries.
Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 will feature a diverse spectrum, encompassing a multi-track conference on IT & electronic, deep tech, startups & biotech, international exhibition, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave, R&D-Lab2Market, STPI IT export awards, rural IT quiz, bio quiz and bio posters.
Talking to TheNFAPost, Karnataka IT/BT and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said BTS is avenue for the Karnataka government to harness technology for overall development of the state.
“IT exports from Karnataka was $91 billion during 2022 fiscal. It is expected to cross in 2023. We are taking advantage of the presence of 5,500 IT/ITES companies so that our ambitious goal of ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ will be fulfilled,” said Karnataka IT/BT and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge.
Beyond Bengaluru is an initiative of the state government to position tier 2 and 3 cities as clusters for development and talent pools that companies can consider for expanding their footprint across Karnataka.
“We are not just incentivising proposals in Bengaluru, but also encouraging companies to look at opportunities outside the city,” state IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said.
The multi-track 3 day BTS2023 will have diverse spectrum of conference on IT and electronics, deep tech, startups and biotech, and an international exhibition. The conferences will happen at Hall for ITE & Deeptech, Hall -2 for Biotech, Hall-3 for Startup (The Start-up Sixers}, Hall-4 for GIA (I) and Hall-5 for GIA (II).
Commenting on the event, Infosys Cofounder Kris Gopalakrishnan said BTS is organised by the Government of Karnataka and it integrates various sectors like IT, BT, AVGC, fintech, e-sports etc. onto one conference and exhibition.
“With support from various countries and governments, it is international. It is a perfect platform for professionals and business leaders to discuss the current state of the industry and plan future strategies and directions,” said Infosys Cofounder Kris Gopalakrishnan.
Talking to TheNFAPost, BTS spokesperson Patankar Jagadish said overall, the summit will have over 75 sessions, 400 speakers, 350 startups, 600 exhibitors, and 20,000 business attendees.
“BTS is not an investment summit, but a space for collaboration, for exploring technologies, for mergers and acquisitions through bringing the entirety of Karnataka’s tech landscape together, and creating a pipeline for tomorrow’s investments,” said BTS spokesperson Patankar Jagadish.
Among interesting sessions that attendees are looking forward to as part of BTS2023 is a fireside chat between Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. Besides veteran leaders and young entrepreneurs, the event will have participation of India’s business leaders including Rishad Premji, Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Kris Gopalakrishnan etc among others.
Speaking on BTS2023, payroll outsourcing services startup Paybooks Cofounder Samira Rao said it is a fact that Karnataka, and especially Bengaluru, is the most dynamic startup ecosystem and 4th largest technology ecosystem in the world.
“As part of startup founding community I am looking at this event to keep abreast of technological changes, competitive landscape, business opportunities and networking. I have been attending this eveent for long time. It is really a great event worth attending,” said Paybooks Cofounder Samira Rao.
One attraction that has created significant buzz for the event is the Chandrayaan-3 ISRO-Industry Pavilion, which will feature a life size model of the Chandrayan-3 Lander along with showcasing the contributions that small and medium enterprises, startup and private industries have made to put India’s space mission on the global map.
Karnataka IT, BT and S&T Department Secretary Ekrook Caur IAS said three-day tech summit hosted by the Government of Karnataka, is all set to make an eco-relevant impact by supporting an environment-friendly landmark event.
“Termed, ‘Green BTS,’ the event will focus on key pillars of sustainability such as carbon, water, energy, waste, food and experience that emphasise the event’s commitment to actively promote eco-friendly practices,” said Karnataka IT, BT and S&T Department Secretary Ekrook Caur IAS.
Green BTS 2023 is the first-of-its-kind event in India to issue strict guidelines for practice of green initiatives at the venue such as single-use-plastic, efficient waste segregation, water conservation, and reduced GHG emissions. The Sustainability Advisory issued by BTS2023 details eco-conscious guidelines and practices targeting all stakeholders at the event including speakers, delegates, invitees and vendors.
FKCCI Past President and ASSOCHAM Southern Regional Council Advisor S Sampathraman said supreme benevolence is attracting the ‘creme de la creme’ of Technology, Science and Engineering to Namma Bangalore and Karnataka.
“Lot more is expected from the Governments at the Centre and State, all those who matter in administration and services and we, the beneficiaries, in innovative planning and action to give the best of infrastructure to those who trust us and come here,” said FKCCI Past President and ASSOCHAM Southern Regional Council Advisor S Sampathraman.
Lauding the success of BTS, Organisational Growth Consultant and State of Bavaria India Office, Invest in Bavaria Senior Advisor Janakiraman Shankar said Bengaluru Tech Summit has evolved into Asia’s largest tech summit with eminence.
The summit has been and continues to pave way for innovative ideas preparing organisations to be future fit. I wish all the best for Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 also,” said Organisational Growth Consultant and State of Bavaria India Office, Invest in Bavaria Senior Advisor Janakiraman Shankar.
It is interesting to not that other countries attend BTS to collaborate for centres of excellence and tap the research capabilities of India by partnering with institutions. Startups here can also become a major source of technology for the world, and countries in the developing world want to leverage India’s tech stack for next wave of innovation.
Lauding on the capabilities of Bengalru, Technicolor Creative Studios Country Head Biren Ghose said Bengaluru has the ability to lead change.
“This change is made by ensuring that the thought leaders of the world come to the Bengaluru Tech Sunmit to ideaate, collaborate and showcase what’s breaking news across technology industries. It both predicts and chronicles progress,” said Technicolor Creative Studios Country Head Biren Ghose.
(With inputs from N V Vijayakumar)
