Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday presented the state as a stable and cooperative partner amid shifting global economic and technology alliances, urging foreign governments and industry leaders to invest in the state.
Addressing ambassadors, high commissioners and delegates from nearly 80 countries at the Bridge to Bengaluru 2026 Dialogue, Siddaramaiah said: “We come together at a time of profound global transformation. Geopolitical shifts, supply chain realignments, technological disruptions, and the urgent need for sustainable development are redefining international cooperation.”
“In this evolving landscape, states are increasingly looking for reliable and flexible partners. Karnataka offers exactly such a partnership characterized by political stability, transparent governance, strong rule of law and a vibrant democratic spirit,” the Prime Minister added.
The event, held as a prelude to the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026, aims to bring together governments, academic institutions, startups and industry to collaborate across sectors, the Prime Minister said.
Explaining the state’s economic situation, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka has developed a large-scale, technology-driven economy, with Bengaluru at its centre. He noted that the city has emerged as a leading innovation ecosystem, hosting more than 16,000 startups and more than 550 global capability centers.
“Today, Karnataka stands as one of the most dynamic and future-ready economies in the world. With a strong and diversified economic base, our state contributes significantly to India’s growth and continues to attract global investors,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the country’s capabilities extend across sectors including information technology, biotechnology, aerospace, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum research and space technology.
“Innovation in our state is not just an economic activity, it is a way of life,” he said.
He also highlighted efforts to expand growth beyond the capital through the ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative, which aims to develop innovation clusters in small cities and expand international engagement.
On emerging technologies, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka is positioning itself as a major hub for quantum research and industry.
“With our Quantum Vision 2035, we aim to build a $20 billion quantum economy. The Quantum Action Plan, aligned with India’s National Quantum Mission, will advance opportunities in computing, sensing, communications, cryptography and advanced materials,” he said.
He also pointed out policy initiatives in newer sectors like animation, visual effects, gaming and extended reality, noting that Karnataka was an early mover in this space and is now implementing its third policy, AVGC-XR.
Siddaramaiah said the government’s broader economic strategy combines growth and social priorities. “At the heart of our government lies a simple belief: innovation must empower people and advance communities. Economic progress must go hand in hand with equality and opportunity for all,” he said.
Reiterating the state’s long-term goal, he added: “Our ambition is to transform Karnataka into a $1 trillion economy by 2032, powered by talent, technology and perseverance.”
