Startups in Karnataka are set to gain significant access to European markets through new strategic partnerships announced by the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS). The collaborations with major European tech events, We Make Future and VivaTech, will establish a new Startup Exchange Programme. This initiative is a key component of the Karnataka government's plan to transform BTS into a year-round global platform for innovation and cross-border collaboration.
Forging Strategic European Alliances
The partnership with Italy's We Make Future (WMF) establishes a reciprocal Startup Exchange Programme, a cornerstone of this new international push. This program will enable startups from both Karnataka and Italy to participate in each other's flagship technology summits. The primary objective is to facilitate direct connections with investors, explore new international markets, and foster valuable cross-border business collaborations and innovation partnerships.
In a parallel development, BTS has also deepened its collaboration with VivaTech, one of Europe's largest tech conferences based in France. This enhanced partnership aims to move beyond a single event, focusing on a long-term strategy to boost international participation. It will work to create stronger, more sustainable links between the startup ecosystems, investors, and technology companies in India and Europe.
A Vision for Global Connectivity
Priyank Kharge, the state's Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, highlighted the strategic intent behind these global engagements. He emphasized that the government's goal is to create tangible, outcome-driven opportunities for Karnataka's burgeoning technology companies and startups. The vision is to evolve BTS from a standalone annual conference into a continuous global platform that delivers long-term value and connects the local ecosystem with worldwide opportunities.
These agreements are the result of a targeted international outreach campaign that included engagements across Italy, France, and Poland. During this tour, BTS representatives met with leading technology platforms, innovation organizations, and over 40 Polish companies. The discussions were centered on building new pathways for cross-border cooperation and encouraging robust international participation at the upcoming BTS 2026.
Anticipating Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026
The 29th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit is scheduled to take place from November 17-19, 2026, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. The summit will be held under the forward-looking theme of "AI & Beyond," signaling a strong focus on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. This theme reflects the region's commitment to staying at the forefront of global technological advancements and innovation.
Organizers anticipate the event will be a massive gathering, further cementing Bengaluru's status as a global tech hub. Projections for BTS 2026 include over 1,800 exhibitors, 25,000 delegates, 1,000 startups, and 60,000 business visitors from more than 75 countries. These figures underscore the summit's scale and its role as a critical nexus for technology, investment, and international collaboration.
These strategic alliances with We Make Future and VivaTech represent a significant step forward in globalizing Karnataka's vibrant startup ecosystem. By providing direct access to European markets and investors, the new exchange program is poised to unlock unprecedented growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs. This proactive approach reinforces Bengaluru's reputation as a premier global destination for technology innovation and cross-border partnerships.