Bengaluru rises as a global AI powerhouse, says IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge

Citing global rankings, talent density, and rapid ecosystem growth, Karnataka government highlights Bengaluru’s strong push in artificial intelligence, skilling, startups, and international partnerships.

Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday said that Bengaluru is rapidly transforming into one of the world’s leading centres for artificial intelligence (AI), driven by strong government policies, skilled talent, and a fast-growing startup ecosystem.

Highlighting global indicators, Kharge said Bengaluru now ranks fifth worldwide in AI skilling and is among the top 10 global cities for AI startups. He attributed this rise to Karnataka’s early focus on AI education, forward-looking policy support, and sustained encouragement for entrepreneurship.

“We are gaining strong momentum in artificial intelligence. Our goal is to ensure Karnataka delivers not only for the state but also for the nation,” Kharge said, underlining the government’s priority on large-scale reskilling and upskilling programmes. These initiatives aim to create a highly employable workforce that meets future industry demands.

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The minister noted that Bengaluru’s progress is reflected in parameters such as AI skill penetration and high talent density, rather than only overall ecosystem rankings. Recent global studies have consistently placed Bengaluru among the top cities for AI professionals and research output. The city is now home to a large share of India’s AI talent pool, making it a key driver of the country’s digital economy.

Kharge’s remarks come at a time when Karnataka’s technology sector is witnessing a fresh wave of investments. Several international AI companies have either expanded their operations or announced new projects in Bengaluru in recent months. These developments have further strengthened the city’s position as India’s leading technology capital.

In addition, the Karnataka government is actively pursuing global collaborations to boost innovation and skill development. Partnerships with the United Kingdom and France are being explored in sectors such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, defence, and advanced skilling. Proposals for startup exchange programmes and joint incubation centres are also under discussion to support cross-border innovation.

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With growing investments, global partnerships, and a strong talent base, the state government believes Bengaluru is well on track to becoming a globally recognised hub for artificial intelligence, innovation, and next-generation technologies.