Karnataka to chart long-term roadmap for Nanotechnology: Dr Navakanta Bhat

Karnataka will prepare a comprehensive Vision Document to define the future of nanotechnology in the state over the next 10 to 20 years, bringing together academia, industry, startups and government to accelerate research, innovation and commercialisation.

Announcing this during the valedictory session of 14th Bengaluru INDIA NANO, Dr Navakanta Bhat, Chairperson of the Vision Group on Nanotechnology, said the initiative has been undertaken at the direction of Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance, Priyank Kharge.

“The Minister has tasked us with preparing a Vision Document that will serve as a blueprint for Karnataka’s nanotechnology ecosystem over the next decade or two. We will engage not only members of the Vision Group but also researchers, startups, industry leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the roadmap reflects collective aspirations and practical priorities,” Dr Bhat said.

Inviting wider participation, he encouraged stakeholders across the ecosystem to submit ideas and recommendations that could be incorporated into the report.

Highlighting Karnataka’s sustained commitment to research and innovation, Dr Bhat noted that the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology supports more than 100 research and development projects every year, making Karnataka one of the few states to invest consistently in cutting-edge scientific research.

He also underscored the impact of the Government’s flagship ELEVATE programme, which provides non-dilutive grants to promising startups, enabling entrepreneurs to scale innovations without sacrificing equity.

“The strength of Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem lies in supporting the entire journey—from research and ideas to innovation, products and commercialization. These interventions have helped position Karnataka as the country’s leading destination for advanced technologies, with nanotechnology emerging as one of the defining technologies of the future,” he said.

Concluding the two-day conference, Dr Bhat thanked delegates from across India and overseas for their participation and announced that the 15th edition of Bengaluru INDIA NANO will be held from 1–3 August 2028.

“We look forward to welcoming the global nanotechnology community back to Bengaluru for an even bigger and more impactful edition,” he said.

Narayan Kulkarni

(narayan.kulkarni@mmactiv.com)