Blab Tech
Karnataka Launches Museum of Innovation, AI University and Deep-Tech Funding Boost Ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit
On July 24, Karnataka’s Minister Priyank Kharge announced a comprehensive package that aims to cement the state’s reputation as a technology powerhouse. The package, unveiled ahead of the 29th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) that will run from November 17‑19 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, includes a new Museum of Innovation, Startup and Technology (MIST), the Innovers Foundation, a doubled deep‑tech grant under Elevate Next, a proposal for an AI University, and the Nipuna Karnataka reskilling programme.
Kharge said the summit, themed "AI & Beyond", will serve as a forum for policy discussion and strategic planning, and that Karnataka intends to use the outcomes as a national model. "The summit will help Karnataka maintain its reputation as a leader in emerging technologies," he told reporters.
The Innovers Foundation will be a public‑private partnership that mentors revenue‑generating deep‑tech startups, helps them reach global markets, and facilitates adoption of their solutions by government agencies. The foundation is part of a broader effort to create a supportive ecosystem for high‑value technology companies.
Under Elevate Next, the state has increased the maximum grant for deep‑tech startups from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. According to the minister, 983 applications were received; 33 startups were selected and awarded a total of ₹33 crore. The chosen companies include 24 from Bengaluru, one each from Hoskote, Udupi, Bidar and Hubballi, and five from Delhi, Maharashtra and Telangana. Twelve of the 33 startups are women‑led, and individual grants ranged from ₹85 lakh to ₹1 crore.
A Deep‑Tech Working Group, led by industry representatives, has been formed to strengthen Karnataka’s deep‑tech ecosystem. The group will produce policy recommendations and initiatives that support research, development and commercialization of advanced technologies.
MIST will occupy part of the former National Geotourism Factory (NGF) premises in Bengaluru. The ₹300 crore project will be executed under a public‑private partnership model, with Heneghan Peng Architects—known for designing the Grand Egyptian Museum—leading the design. The museum will preserve the heritage factory structure while creating a space that showcases innovation, startups and technology.
The government has also announced a Government‑First policy that will make public datasets available to startups through a regulatory sandbox. The policy allows companies to develop solutions using public data, with the government acting as the first customer for viable products.
In partnership with industry, think tanks and private companies, the state plans to establish an AI University that will focus on skilling, upskilling, research, incubation and global collaborations. Kharge said a detailed blueprint would be ready within 15 to 20 days and that the institution would aim to create a globally competitive ecosystem similar to the Indian Institute of Science.
Nipuna Karnataka is described as India’s largest reskilling and upskilling programme, with an outlay of over ₹300 crore. The programme targets 70 % placement and 100 % employability, aiming to equip professionals with skills required as automation and AI reshape the workforce.
The government is also finalising a Sustainable Data Centre Policy that will promote liquid cooling, renewable energy use and adequate water resources for future data centres.
In sum, Karnataka’s package of initiatives—spanning a museum, a university, funding, reskilling and data‑centre policy—intends to cement the state’s position as a hub for AI and deep‑tech. The upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit will serve as a platform to discuss these plans in detail. While the state has not yet released timelines for the launch of MIST, the AI University or the full rollout of the Nipuna Karnataka programme, the blueprint for the university is expected within weeks.
Kharge said the summit, themed "AI & Beyond", will serve as a forum for policy discussion and strategic planning, and that Karnataka intends to use the outcomes as a national model. "The summit will help Karnataka maintain its reputation as a leader in emerging technologies," he told reporters.
The Innovers Foundation will be a public‑private partnership that mentors revenue‑generating deep‑tech startups, helps them reach global markets, and facilitates adoption of their solutions by government agencies. The foundation is part of a broader effort to create a supportive ecosystem for high‑value technology companies.
Under Elevate Next, the state has increased the maximum grant for deep‑tech startups from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. According to the minister, 983 applications were received; 33 startups were selected and awarded a total of ₹33 crore. The chosen companies include 24 from Bengaluru, one each from Hoskote, Udupi, Bidar and Hubballi, and five from Delhi, Maharashtra and Telangana. Twelve of the 33 startups are women‑led, and individual grants ranged from ₹85 lakh to ₹1 crore.
A Deep‑Tech Working Group, led by industry representatives, has been formed to strengthen Karnataka’s deep‑tech ecosystem. The group will produce policy recommendations and initiatives that support research, development and commercialization of advanced technologies.
MIST will occupy part of the former National Geotourism Factory (NGF) premises in Bengaluru. The ₹300 crore project will be executed under a public‑private partnership model, with Heneghan Peng Architects—known for designing the Grand Egyptian Museum—leading the design. The museum will preserve the heritage factory structure while creating a space that showcases innovation, startups and technology.
The government has also announced a Government‑First policy that will make public datasets available to startups through a regulatory sandbox. The policy allows companies to develop solutions using public data, with the government acting as the first customer for viable products.
In partnership with industry, think tanks and private companies, the state plans to establish an AI University that will focus on skilling, upskilling, research, incubation and global collaborations. Kharge said a detailed blueprint would be ready within 15 to 20 days and that the institution would aim to create a globally competitive ecosystem similar to the Indian Institute of Science.
Nipuna Karnataka is described as India’s largest reskilling and upskilling programme, with an outlay of over ₹300 crore. The programme targets 70 % placement and 100 % employability, aiming to equip professionals with skills required as automation and AI reshape the workforce.
The government is also finalising a Sustainable Data Centre Policy that will promote liquid cooling, renewable energy use and adequate water resources for future data centres.
In sum, Karnataka’s package of initiatives—spanning a museum, a university, funding, reskilling and data‑centre policy—intends to cement the state’s position as a hub for AI and deep‑tech. The upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit will serve as a platform to discuss these plans in detail. While the state has not yet released timelines for the launch of MIST, the AI University or the full rollout of the Nipuna Karnataka programme, the blueprint for the university is expected within weeks.
