Karnataka unveils new Global Innovation Framework ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026

Karnataka is repositioning its global innovation engagement from event-led interactions to sustained partnerships, with the State preparing to roll out a new engagement framework and a dedicated physical platform for international innovation collaborations, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home, IT & Bt and e-Governance, Government of Karnataka, said on October 6, 2026 in Bengaluru.

Speaking at the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) Meet, organised by the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and S&T ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2026, Kharge highlighted the need to convert Karnataka’s international partnerships into tangible opportunities for startups, companies, institutions and investors.

The GIA Meet brought together representatives from partner countries and international trade missions, including Sweden, Italy, Australia, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, the US, Vietnam, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Israel, France, South Korea, Spain, Japan, Canada, Germany, Tunisia, Czech Republic and New Zealand.

The Government of Karnataka is now strengthening the GIA framework to make international engagement more structured, reciprocal and outcome-oriented. The proposed framework will focus on four areas: global startup mobility and market access; international institutional partnerships; global visibility and strategic engagement; and governance through a dedicated International Desk.

A key component of the next phase is GIGA – Global Innovation and Growth Alliance, a proposed permanent physical infrastructure in Bengaluru that will provide international startups, innovation agencies, delegations and institutions with workspace, meeting and programme facilities. It is intended to connect international partners with Karnataka’s Centres of Excellence, incubators, universities, industry and investors.

The initiative signals a shift towards creating a more permanent landing platform for international companies and innovation organisations seeking to establish partnerships and explore opportunities in Karnataka.

The GIA network, launched in 2017 under the Karnataka Unit for International Co-operation, has grown from 10 partner countries in 2018 to more than 40 countries in 2026.