Future Makers Conclave to unite innovators, investors, and disruptors as the State launches its ‘Deep Tech Decade’
NFAPost, Bengaluru: Karnataka has fired the opening salvo in what it’s calling India’s “Deep Tech Decade.” With a ₹600 crore investment and the launch of the Future Makers Conclave (FMC), the state is positioning itself as the epicentre of DeepTech and AI innovation in the country.
The announcement came at a prelude to the 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2025), scheduled for November 18–20 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, unveiled the Future Makers Conclave as the flagship highlight of this year’s summit.
“Our vision is clear — we want Karnataka to be the DeepTech capital of India,” declared Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj. “The ₹600 crore investment in DeepTech and AI is just the beginning. We’re already in discussions with venture capital firms to scale this into a ₹1,000 crore fund. The blueprint is ready, and we’re serious about being global players in the technology landscape.”
A Conclave for the Future Makers
Set for November 20, the Future Makers Conclave will bring together over 10,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders in a high-energy celebration of innovation. The event will feature AI and DeepTech startup showcases, keynotes by global technology leaders, and interactive sessions aimed at connecting ideas with capital.
For the first time, FMC will also have international participation — enabling global startups to present in India and Indian ventures to pitch their technologies for worldwide markets.
“This is more than a conference; it’s a convergence of ambition,” Kharge added. “Future Makers Conclave will connect entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, corporate mentors, and future innovators on one global stage.”
The ₹600 Crore DeepTech Roadmap
Under the “Deep Tech Decade” initiative, the government’s ₹600 crore package includes targeted allocations:
- ₹150 crore for the DeepTech Elevate Fund, focusing on AI and frontier technologies.
- ₹80 crore under Elevate Beyond Bengaluru to boost startups in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi.
- ₹75 crore through the KITVIN Fund for equity-based investments in DeepTech and AI startups, offering between ₹50 lakh and ₹2 crore per venture.
- ₹48 crore for new incubators and accelerators at IIT and IIIT Dharwad and Kalaburagi.
- ₹110 crore to support business incubators in higher education institutions, nurturing early-stage innovation across 11 universities.
Officials confirmed that the state will also explore fund-of-funds and co-investment models to sustain momentum and scalability across the DeepTech ecosystem.
BTS 2025: A Global Tech Stage
According to Dr. Manjula N, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt & S&T, shifting BTS to BIEC enables the event to “host global participants and deliver an expanded experience for innovators and investors alike.”
This year’s summit, themed “Futurise”, will feature:
- 500+ speakers and 20,000+ delegates
- 1,000+ exhibitors and 50,000+ visitors from over 60 countries
- Ten curated tracks, including AI & DeepTech, Defence & SpaceTech, Electronics & Semiconductors, and DigiHealth & Biotech.
The Startup Springboard Pavilion will offer investor pitch sessions, mentoring clinics, and networking opportunities for growth-stage ventures.
“Bengaluru Tech Summit has always been India’s innovation compass,” Dr. Manjula said. “This year, it becomes a launchpad for the technologies and entrepreneurs who will define the next decade.”
A Decade of DeepTech Leadership
With the unveiling of the Future Makers Conclave logo and the government’s strong financial backing, Karnataka has signaled its ambition to lead India’s transition from a software powerhouse to a DeepTech superpower.
“BTS 2025 is not just another summit,” said Rahul Sankanur, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, and Managing Director, KITS. “It’s a declaration that Karnataka is ready to drive global innovation — from AI and quantum computing to sustainable technologies.”
As the countdown to BTS 2025 begins, all eyes are on Bengaluru — the city that’s long been called India’s Silicon Valley, and now aims to be the cradle of DeepTech innovation.
Registration for the Future Makers Conclave is now open at www.bengalurutechsummit.com.
