Rs 400 cr for innovators: K'taka leads India’s deep tech

Bengaluru: The three-day Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025 concluded on Thursday with the state government and venture capitalists jointly disbursing ?400 crore to deep tech start-ups, strengthening Karnataka’s position as India’s leading innovation hub.

Speaking on the final day of BTS 2025, Electronics, IT/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said the Future Makers Conclave was a simple yet transformative initiative designed to bring start ups and venture capital firms together to create “the future makers of tomorrow.”

“These are the disruptors, innovators, and future makers who will inspire the rest of the country to solve real-world problems,” he said. Thanking the VC community, Kharge added that their partnership with start-ups would help reshape global perceptions of India.

“We will ensure that progress is accelerated. Together, we will build an ecosystem unmatched anywhere in the world.” The Conclave also announced the winners of ELEVATE, the state’s flag ship platform to mentor and fund promising companies.

A total of 143 start ups were recognised this year — the largest batch so far. Since its inception, ELEVATE has supported 1,084 companies, including 390 based outside Bengaluru. The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers — including a mentalist, an astronaut, new-age entrepreneurs, and sports icons — making the Conclave a celebration of individuals shaping India’s future.

A common theme running through the sessions was the importance of resilience and persistence in achieving one’s goals.