Karnataka betting high on AI, nanotechnology, quantum technologies to drive next phase of growth: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar

Published 4 August 2026 · local

Karnataka is positioning itself to lead India’s next phase of deep tech-driven growth by prioritising artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, biotechnology, quantum technologies and semiconductors, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said in Bengaluru on August 4 while inaugurating the 14th edition of Bangalore Nano India, an annual nanotechnology exposition by the State Government. He asserted that the State was keen to leverage its established innovation ecosystem to emerge as a global hub for deep-technology research and commercialisation. The real technological leadership would increasingly depend on the convergence of AI, advanced materials, biotechnology and quantum sciences, rather than any single discipline, he emphasised. Shivakumar urged a large audience of researchers, industry leaders, start-up founders, and academicians to work together to translate scientific discoveries into products and solutions with societal and commercial impact.

“The future will be shaped by artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, biotechnology and quantum technology. Today, we are seeing rapid advances in semiconductors and advanced materials. Karnataka is determined to lead this technological transformation,” he stated. Describing nanotechnology as a foundational technology rather than a niche scientific discipline, Mr. Shivakumar said its applications were expanding across healthcare, electronics, agriculture, mobility, defence, aerospace and energy. “Nanotechnology is no longer confined to laboratories. It is creating a bigger future for all of us,” the Chief Minister said. Encouraging scientists to move beyond academic research and focus on innovation that addresses practical challenges, he said, “We want research papers to become commercial products. We want start-ups and innovators to solve real-world problems.” According to him, Karnataka is positioned to become the world’s premier destination for deep-technology innovation, and the State’s scientific ecosystem offered the necessary talent, research capability and entrepreneurial culture to lead emerging technologies.

Recalling the historical origins of Bengaluru’s scientific ecosystem, he referred to the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science following the vision of Jamsetji Tata and Swami Vivekananda, saying the institution had laid the foundation for the city’s emergence as India’s technology capital. City attracts a sizable chunk of global investments Bengaluru has become an attractive destination for global investments owing to its cosmopolitan environment, scientific institutions, and skilled workforce, the Chief Minister said adding that Karnataka was increasingly being viewed as a preferred destination for investments in semiconductors, global capability centres (GCCs), and advanced manufacturing. Focus on mobility to remove infra woes Acknowledging Bengaluru’s infrastructure challenges, particularly traffic congestion, Mr. Shivakumar said the government was investing in mobility projects, including a major expansion of the Namma Metro network, with the long-term goal of developing nearly 500 km of metro connectivity alongside satellite townships.