BTS 2026 to offer global platform for technology, innovation and international collaboration: Dr Manjula

The Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2026 is set to expand its international footprint, offering participating countries a platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies, government initiatives, industry capabilities and academic strengths to a global audience, said Dr Manjula N, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and S&T, Government of Karnataka, at the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) Meet held in Bengaluru on October 6.

Dr Manjula provided an overview of BTS 2026 and highlighted the opportunities available to international partners through the Summit’s international exhibition, conference and country delegations. She also outlined the various outreach activities being undertaken to strengthen international participation at the Summit.

Scheduled from November 17 to 19, 2026, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), BTS 2026 will be held under the theme ‘AI & Beyond’ and is expected to bring together more than 90,000 attendees, including over 1,000 technology startups, 1,000 investors, 25,000 delegates, 700 speakers and 1,800 exhibitors, with participation from more than 75 countries.

The Summit is positioned as a platform for international technology ecosystems to engage with India’s rapidly expanding innovation landscape, while enabling companies, startups, investors, researchers and policymakers to explore partnerships and market opportunities.

The BTS 2026 conference will feature 16 tracks covering key technology and innovation domains, including IT & DeepTech, Electro-Semicon, Digital Health & Biotech, Startup Ecosystem, Data & Cybersecurity and Global Collaboration.

The Summit will also introduce new tracks such as AI Universe, Finverse, Frontier Tech and Orange Economy, reflecting the expanding application of technology across financial services, frontier technologies and creative and cultural industries.

The Global Stage will feature country sessions involving more than 16 nations, providing international delegations with an opportunity to present their technology capabilities and discuss areas of collaboration.

A key highlight of BTS 2026 will be the co-location of embedded world India, the maiden India edition of the global event organised by NuernbergMesse India. The event will focus on electronics, semiconductors and embedded systems, adding another major technology dimension to the Summit.

The Robotics & Autonomous Systems Arena, led by Bharat 1.AI, will bring robotics companies and researchers together for live demonstrations spanning industrial automation, logistics and medical robotics. The multi-pavilion exhibition will showcase innovations across sectors, with increased international participation and industry representation. BTS 2026 will also place significant emphasis on startups and their access to capital, mentorship and international markets.

The programme will include Investor Pitching, one-to-one Mentoring sessions, a dedicated Startup Pavilion and Investor Connect, along with thematic sessions addressing scaling, fundraising and international market access. The Future Makers Conclave, expected to attract more than 10,000 startup founders, will bring together entrepreneurs and changemakers from diverse fields.

The Summit will also feature the Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz, Bio Posters, IT, Bio and Exhibitor Awards and Global Leaders Reception.

With its expanded exhibition, international participation and technology-focused conference programme, BTS 2026 is expected to provide a broad platform for global technology ecosystems to connect with Karnataka and India’s startup, research, investment and industry communities.