Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025: Karnataka to unveil IT, startup and space policies

The Karnataka government will release its new IT policy, startup policy and space technology policy at the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, officials said on Monday. The policies will be announced at the 28th edition of the summit, which opens on 18 November.

The summit, organised by the Department of Electronics, IT and BT and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Speaking at the curtain-raiser on Monday, Minister for Electronics, IT/BT and Rural Development Priyank Kharge said the Bengaluru Tech Summit had evolved into a global platform spanning information technology, biotechnology, deep tech, space and sustainability.

Priyank said the government had also planned ‘The Future Makers Conclave’, a gathering of nearly 10,000 founders, investors and innovators aimed at shaping the next phase of entrepreneurship.

“The conclave is a flagship meet designed to deliver tangible value for all participants in the startup ecosystem—from budding entrepreneurs and early-stage founders to seasoned entrepreneurs looking to scale up,” he said. “Every attendee will leave with concrete takeaways, whether in capital access, pilot projects, business tools, mentoring, visibility or networks.”

N Manjula, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, said three policies will be unveiled during the summit — the space technology policy, the third version of the IT policy and the second version of the startup policy.

The cabinet recently approved the Karnataka Space Technology Policy and the Information Technology Policy for 2025-30, which include financial and non-financial incentives to boost investment, strengthen innovation and expand the state’s tech presence beyond Bengaluru.

On 6 November, the cabinet approved the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-30, with an outlay of Rs 518.27 crore over five years. The policy aims to support up to 25,000 startups, including 10,000 from clusters outside Bengaluru.

BTS 2025 will feature 10 focused conference tracks such as IT and DeepTech, Electro-Semicon, Digi Health & Biotech, India–USA Tech Conclave and Global Collaboration and Startup Ecosystem. Sub-tracks include AI Universe, Defence & SpaceTech, Finverse and Women in Leadership.

The summit is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors, including over 1,000 investors, 15,000 attendees, 500 speakers and 1,000 exhibitors. It will host 80+ knowledge sessions, over 5,000 curated meetings and participants from 60 countries and all 30 Indian states and Union Territories.

Under the theme ‘Futurise’, the three-day event will feature speakers including ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia and MeitY Additional Secretary Abhishek Singh.

The summit will also host specialised platforms such as Investor Connect for startups to meet investors and industry leaders, and Mentor Connect for one-on-one guidance from domain experts. “These platforms aim to catalyse meaningful connections, capital access and strategic guidance for the next generation of innovators,” the statement said.