Bengaluru among top 5 global cities for AI skills and innovation, says Priyank Kharge

Karnataka is emerging as a global hub for AI and R&D, driven by talent, policy, and collaboration, with ₹1,000 crore invested in innovation clusters across the state.

Bengaluru is now officially one of the top five cities worldwide in AI skill penetration and R&D output, said Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister of Electronics, IT & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, during his inaugural address at CII’s India Innovation Summit, INNOVERGE 2025 on Friday.

Also Read:Is this the end of BDA’s power? GBA takes over Bengaluru’s planning authority

Highlighting Karnataka’s unique 3P model, People, Policy, and Participation, Kharge said it ensures academia, entrepreneurs, and government stakeholders all have a voice in shaping innovation and growth. “This collaborative approach sets us apart on the global stage,” he added.

The State government is investing ₹1,000 crore to develop innovation clusters in Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi to ensure growth benefits reach all regions. Karnataka already hosts 40% of India’s R&D talent, 30% of Global Capability Centres, and 48 of the nation’s 110 unicorns, cementing its role as a global knowledge and skill capital.

Also Read:Bengaluru turns into a lake? Overnight rain downs roads from Electronics City to Marathahalli!

At the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit in November, the State will unveil the Future Makers track to showcase 20,000 startups and launch a ₹100 crore fund to identify India’s top 50 AI companies.