Bengaluru, Aug 11 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized on Monday that the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 should convey a significant message globally.

Addressing a preparatory gathering with officials and business leaders, he stated, "We are not in competition with neighboring states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Bengaluru is recognized as a global IT capital. Our IT Minister is formulating strategies to meet those standards."

"We anticipate more than 100,000 attendees at the summit scheduled from November 18 to 20. You should all act as our brand ambassadors," he urged the business community.

Shivakumar noted that Bengaluru is home to 200,000 foreigners either working or conducting business, with approximately 7,000 international students also pursuing education here.

“The IT policy initiated by the late former CM S.M. Krishna is the foundation of Karnataka's IT achievements. Out of India's total IT exports of $385 billion, Bengaluru accounts for $160 billion. Our government is committed to providing comprehensive support to the IT sector,” he remarked.

“I urge all of you to allocate your CSR funds to government schools in rural regions. Our administration is establishing 2,000 Karnataka Public Schools across all taluks, and I encourage you to invest in these institutions. Currently, there are 50,000 teacher vacancies, prompting us to seek private sector involvement for assistance,” he added.

“I discussed Bengaluru’s growth with the PM. It should not be perceived merely as Karnataka's capital but as the capital of the nation. We have launched projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore aimed at various developments within Bengaluru,” Shivakumar stated.

He highlighted that new cities will be developed under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, including a 10,000-acre township planned at Bidadi.

“Further details will be shared in the next 10-15 days. We are also considering extending the metro to Bidadi,” he concluded.

In the event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked that Karnataka is celebrated for its rich heritage and technological leadership.

“From the Mysuru Kings to the first IT policy in 1997 and the Global Capability Centre Policy in 2024, we have always been forward-thinking. Our state sets a global benchmark for innovation, talent, and business-friendly policies,” he expressed.

"Our vision is straightforward: to establish Karnataka as the go-to destination for the world to tackle its most pressing challenges. Be it curing diseases, developing sustainable energy, or engineering the computers of the future, we will ensure the necessary talent, infrastructure, and policy support is available to make it a reality," Siddaramaiah concluded.