November 4, 2025

On a sizzling Monday at Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka government pulled back the curtain on its grand ‘Deep Tech Decade’ plan. Minister Priyank Kharge, who looks after Electronics, IT & Biotechnology, and Rural Development, announced a massive ₹600 crore fund to jump-start deep-tech innovation across the state. “This initiative reflects our vision to create a robust deep-tech pipeline supporting entrepreneurs working on technologies such as AI, ML, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and sustainability-driven innovation,” said Minister Kharge during the media meet. His words show how seriously Karnataka wants to become the deep tech capital of India! But wait, there’s more! The minister revealed talks with venture capitalists to pump up the fund to ₹1,000 crore or even beyond. “It is not that ₹600 crore will be enough for deep-tech growth for the whole decade. We will re-look at the investment required. We will certainly require more funds to create deep-tech and AI startups across the State and for this we are also exploring to create joint funds in collaboration with venture capital players,” he explained. That’s a bold promise to keep the deep-tech engine roaring for years. So how is this ₹600 crore planned? It will be split smartly: - ₹150 crore for the DeepTech Elevate Fund focusing on AI and frontier tech. - ₹80 crore goes to the Elevate Beyond Bengaluru Fund to boost startups in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi. - ₹75 crore via KITVIN Fund for equity investments in deep-tech and AI startups, funding between ₹50 lakh and ₹2 crore. - ₹48 crore to build new incubators and accelerators at IIT Dharwad, IIIT Dharwad, and Kalaburagi. - ₹110 crore for business incubators in 11 higher education institutions nurturing early innovation. “We are exploring a fund-of-funds via co-investment with VCs to ensure smooth capital flow and scalable growth in deep-tech,” the minister added. The timing is perfect. The 28th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2025) is scheduled for November 18-20 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. It will showcase the state’s tech power through its Future Makers Conclave (FMC), hopefully igniting new sparks in the deep-tech field. Karnataka is not just dreaming big but backing it up with money and plans. Ready for a decade full of AI, robots, and cutting-edge innovations? This Deep Tech Decade might just be a game-changer!

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Tags: Karnataka government, Deep Tech Decade, Priyank kharge, Investment Pool, Bengaluru Tech Summit, Startups,