India Nano 2026: Karnataka Unveils Bengaluru Deep-Tech Growth Vision

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said the state is committed to positioning Bengaluru as a global hub for deep technologies, including nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum technologies. Speaking at the inauguration of Bengaluru INDIA NANO 2026, India's premier international nanotechnology conference and exhibition, he said Karnataka aims to lead the next phase of technological innovation by leveraging its strong ecosystem of research institutions, startups, multinational research and development centres and universities.

Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar said nanotechnology has evolved beyond research laboratories and is now driving advancements across sectors such as healthcare, electronics, energy, agriculture, mobility, aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing. He noted that the future would be shaped by the convergence of AI, nanotechnology, biotechnology, quantum technologies, semiconductors and advanced materials, adding that Karnataka intends to remain at the forefront of this global technological transformation.

Highlighting Bengaluru's scientific heritage, the Chief Minister recalled the historic meeting between industrialist Jamsetji Tata and Swami Vivekananda in 1893, which eventually led to the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). He said the vision became a reality with the support of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, where Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV donated nearly 370 acres of land in Bengaluru and extended financial and infrastructural assistance for the institute. Shivakumar said nations are now competing not only for investments but also for scientific leadership, particularly in advanced materials, nanoelectronics, semiconductor technologies and AI-driven manufacturing.

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The Chief Minister said the state government is focused on building an ecosystem where scientific discoveries move quickly from research laboratories to commercial applications through stronger collaboration among academia, industry and startups. He added that nanotechnology has the potential to transform healthcare through targeted drug delivery and precision medicine, improve agriculture with smart fertilisers and efficient water management, and support cleaner energy, stronger infrastructure and sustainable manufacturing.

Calling for greater innovation, Shivakumar urged global capability centres (GCCs) operating in Bengaluru to move beyond routine operations and contribute to intellectual property creation. "The GCCs of the future should file patents here, not merely close tickets here," he said, while encouraging academic institutions to strengthen industry partnerships and focus on patenting research.

Paying tribute to Bharat Ratna Professor C.N.R. Rao for his contribution to science, the Chief Minister also urged young researchers to pursue ambitious scientific goals. He concluded by expressing confidence that after establishing itself as India's Silicon Valley through software, Bengaluru's next chapter would be defined by leadership in deep technologies such as nanotechnology, semiconductors, quantum science, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

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