Mumbai, August 4: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Tuesday the state’s commitment to establish Bengaluru as a global hub for deep technologies, including nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, biotechnology, and quantum technology.
While inaugurating the “Bengaluru India Nano 2026,” a major international nanotechnology conference and exhibition, the Chief Minister highlighted Karnataka’s robust ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises leading research institutions, startups, multinational R&D centers, and universities, positioning it as a prime destination for deep-tech innovation.
He stated, “Nanotechnology is no longer confined to research laboratories. It has become a foundational technology that is transforming healthcare, electronics, energy, agriculture, mobility, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.”
Shivakumar emphasized that the future will be shaped by the convergence of AI, nanotechnology, biotechnology, quantum technology, semiconductors, and advanced materials. He expressed Karnataka’s desire to lead this technological revolution.
Recalling Bengaluru’s scientific heritage, he mentioned the historic meeting between industrialist J.R.D. Tata and Swami Vivekananda on a ship bound for America in 1893. Their discussions on scientific research and nation-building led to the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science.
He noted that this vision was realized with the support of the then-Mysore kingdom, where Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV donated approximately 370 acres of land and provided financial and infrastructural assistance to the institute.
Shivakumar remarked, “Today, the country is competing not just for investment but also for scientific leadership. Those who excel in advanced materials, nano-electronics, semiconductor technology, and AI-based manufacturing will shape the global economy for decades to come. Karnataka aims to be among those leaders.”
The Chief Minister affirmed the state government’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where scientific ideas swiftly transition from laboratories to industries and from research papers to commercial products, fostering better collaboration between academia, industry, and startups.
He highlighted the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize healthcare through targeted drug delivery and precision medicine, enhance agriculture with smart fertilizers and efficient water management, and enable clean energy, robust infrastructure, and sustainable manufacturing.
Emphasizing the need for more innovation, Shivakumar urged global companies to go beyond routine operations in Bengaluru.
He stated, “Bengaluru has secured India’s place on the global IT map. Now it is time to establish India on the deep-tech map as well.”
He paid tribute to the lifetime contributions of Bharat Ratna Professor C.N.R. Rao in scientific excellence, stating that his vision will continue to inspire generations of researchers.
Addressing young scientists and students, the Chief Minister encouraged them to dream big and tackle challenging scientific problems, assuring them of government support.
D.K. Shivakumar expressed confidence that while Bengaluru has already made its mark as India’s “Silicon Valley” through software innovation, its next chapter will be written through deep technologies such as nanotechnology, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, quantum science, and artificial intelligence.
Leave a Comment