Karnataka’s IT Minister, Priyank Kharge, announced an ambitious “Deep Tech Decade” initiative during the Bengaluru Skills Summit 2025, positioning the state as India’s hub for AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies.
Starting on November 18, the Deep Tech Decade initiative will launch with an investment pool of ₹600 crores, aiming to build a strong innovation ecosystem. This initiative, along with others, aims to decentralise innovation by establishing new centres of excellence and incubators outside Bengaluru, particularly in regions such as Mangaluru, Dharwad, and Belagavi.
We no longer pitch Karnataka as an investment destination,” Kharge declared. “Everybody gives incentives and subsidies. What makes us unique is that we position ourselves as a skill capital and a knowledge destination.”
Kharge highlighted the growing global talent gap as a key driver for the program. “The world faces a shortage of nearly 86 million skilled professionals,” he said. “If we can increase productivity by even 1% of our workforce through the right skill sets, we add $2.7 billion to the state economy.”
The Deep Tech Decade is part of Karnataka’s broader skill strategy, which includes the skill policy and the Nipuna reskilling and upskilling programme, one of India’s largest initiatives, targeting employment opportunities for three million people. The programs also emphasise AI literacy, women’s participation in the tech workforce, and global employability.
In line with its inclusive agenda, the government also plans to launch an Inclusive Incubator and Centre for Assistive Tech Excellence for persons with disabilities, in partnership with the Assistive Tech Foundation.
“With the Deep Tech Decade, Karnataka is preparing its people for the world, and preparing the world to look to Karnataka for talent,” Kharge concluded.
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