Karnataka Bets Big on the Future: ₹600-Crore Push to Power Its ‘Deep Tech Decade’

As India’s technology landscape prepares for its next big leap, Karnataka is once again taking the lead — this time with a bold, future-focused bet on deep technology. The state government has announced a massive ₹600 crore investment under its newly launched ‘Deep Tech Decade’ initiative — a move that not only cements Karnataka’s dominance as the nation’s innovation capital but also signals its ambition to become a global hub for DeepTech, AI, and advanced innovation.

The announcement, made by Priyank Kharge, Minister for RDPR and IT/BT, comes just ahead of the much-anticipated Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, set to take place from November 18 to 20 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). Themed “Futurise”, this year’s summit is expected to set the tone for India’s next wave of technological transformation.

A Decade of Deep Tech Begins in Karnataka

Karnataka’s ‘Deep Tech Decade’ isn’t just another policy announcement — it’s a strategic move to place the state at the forefront of global technological disruption. “This initiative reflects our vision to create a robust DeepTech pipeline supporting entrepreneurs working on AI, ML, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and sustainable innovation,” said Kharge, during a pre-summit press briefing.

The vision is clear: to make Karnataka not only a startup capital but also a DeepTech powerhouse — driving innovation that moves beyond apps and platforms, into the heart of scientific and technological problem-solving.

Kharge also revealed that the government is in talks with leading venture capital firms to expand this investment into a ₹1,000 crore joint fund focused exclusively on DeepTech and AI startups. This move would unlock unprecedented access to capital for innovators working on frontier technologies.

How the ₹600-Crore Investment Will Be Deployed

The government’s blueprint is both ambitious and well-structured, with funds allocated to strategically strengthen the ecosystem at multiple levels — from startups and academia to regional innovation clusters.

Here’s a breakdown of the planned investments:

• 💡 ₹150 crore – DeepTech Elevate Fund: Focused on supporting startups working in AI, quantum computing, and frontier technologies.

• 🌍 ₹80 crore – Elevate Beyond Bengaluru: Aimed at boosting innovation hubs in tier-2 cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi, ensuring that technology-led growth spreads beyond the capital.

• 📈 ₹75 crore – KITVIN Fund: Will offer equity-based financial support to DeepTech startups, helping them scale and attract larger institutional investment.

• 🧠 ₹48 crore – New Incubators and Accelerators: To be set up at IIT Dharwad and IIIT Kalaburagi, focusing on research-led entrepreneurship.

• 🎓 ₹110 crore – University Business Incubators: Designed to embed innovation into the education system by supporting incubators across higher education institutions.

Each of these components feeds into a larger ecosystem — one that connects policy, academia, capital, and innovation to create a fertile ground for emerging tech companies.

Future Makers Conclave: The Heart of BTS 2025

The highlight of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 will be the Future Makers Conclave (FMC), a platform poised to become India’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation. Scheduled for November 20, FMC will bring together over 10,000 founders, investors, and innovators from across the country and around the world.

The conclave promises a line-up of unicorn founders, global tech leaders, and investors who will share insights on the future of AI, DeepTech, DefenceTech, SpaceTech, and Mobility. The event will also serve as a stage for cutting-edge startup showcases, giving emerging innovators direct access to investors and potential partners.

With over 500 speakers, 1,000-plus exhibitors, 20,000 delegates, and 50,000 business visitors from 60+ countries, BTS 2025 is set to reaffirm Bengaluru’s global reputation as a melting pot of innovation and entrepreneurship.

A Vision Beyond Bengaluru

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the initiative is its focus on ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ — an effort to decentralize innovation and empower regional ecosystems. By channeling funds into Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi, the government aims to ensure that Karnataka’s growth story extends beyond the capital’s urban corridors.

This regional push could unlock thousands of jobs, nurture local talent, and help smaller cities emerge as micro-innovation clusters — a model that could inspire similar initiatives across India.

Positioning India on the Global DeepTech Map

DeepTech — encompassing advanced domains like artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and space technologies — represents the next frontier of innovation worldwide. Countries like the U.S., Israel, and Singapore have already made significant headway in fostering DeepTech ecosystems.

With its strong base of research institutions, skilled engineers, and vibrant startup culture, Karnataka is uniquely positioned to lead India’s DeepTech revolution. The new initiative, backed by sustained government support and investor partnerships, could well put Bengaluru — and by extension, India — on the global DeepTech innovation map.

Karnataka’s ₹600-crore commitment signals more than just investment; it’s a bet on the future — on technologies that can redefine industries, economies, and lives. By creating a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures everything from early research to market-ready innovation, the state is setting a benchmark for what visionary public policy can achieve.

As the ‘Deep Tech Decade’ unfolds, all eyes will be on Karnataka — not just as India’s Silicon Valley, but as a launchpad for the technologies of tomorrow.