PRIYANK KHARGE
Bitcoin Heist: ED's statewide search includes house of Cong MLA’s sons
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched multiple premises in Karnataka, including those linked to the sons of BDA chairman NA Harris, in a cryptocurrency money laundering case. The investigation, involving hacker Srikrishna alias Sriki, focuses on stolen virtual assets being sold and proceeds laundered through various accounts. The Nalapad brothers are alleged to be close associates and beneficiaries of the crime.
Karnataka ready for global partnerships beyond tech: DK Shivakumar
Karnataka is actively seeking global partnerships across trade, innovation, and collaboration. The state aims to strengthen ties with over 80 countries. Bengaluru is highlighted as a hub for talent and investment. The Global Innovation Alliance is evolving for outcome-driven collaborations. The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 will focus on AI and beyond, fostering deeper co-creation and long-term global partnerships.
Siemens Healthineers eyes collaboration with Karnataka on life sciences, healthtech centres of excellence: Priyank Kharge
Siemens Healthineers is exploring a collaboration with the Karnataka government to bolster upcoming centers of excellence in life sciences, healthtech, and medical products. Discussions focused on skilling, joint incubation, and partnerships to align with the state's deeptech initiatives, further strengthening the company's presence in Bengaluru.
Karnataka unveils India's first quantum ecosystem map
Karnataka became the first state in India to unveil a comprehensive Quantum Ecosystem Map. The Science & Technology minister N S Boseraju said the initiative formally marks the launch of Phase-I of the State's Quantum Roadmap.
Over 30 GCCs brought in Rs 12,500 crore to Karnataka in 2025, says IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge
Firms like SAP and Google have led this inflow of investment. The state is now focussing on structured global pathways and outcome-driven partnerships across AI and deeptech sectors.
Karnataka reviews global outreach push to boost startup market access
A review meeting in Bengaluru, attended by senior IT/BT department officials and stakeholders, focussed on strengthening Karnataka’s international engagement framework to drive structured, outcome-led collaborations with global innovation ecosystems. Discussions covered startup mobility, institutional partnerships, global visibility, governance, and expanding the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) programme to improve market access and cross-border collaboration.
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Karnataka most preferred hub for tech startups, says IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge
The state IT/BT minister’s X post comes ahead of the release of a joint report by Nasscom and Zinnov, highlighting strong momentum in India’s startup ecosystem despite a more selective funding environment. Per the report, Bengaluru accounted for 28% of India’s deeptech startups as of 2025, followed by Delhi-NCR at 21% and Mumbai at 10%.
Karnataka eyes Japan partnership for smart city solutions in Bengaluru
Karnataka is set to partner with Japan for smart city development in Bengaluru. Japanese firms will help design and implement solutions for urban issues. The state aims for high-impact outcomes in water, waste, and energy management. This collaboration will involve identifying challenges and deploying solutions through Japanese private sector participation. Focus areas include energy, wastewater, mobility, and disaster management.
Karnataka taps Japan for Bengaluru smart city development
Karnataka plans to explore collaboration with Japan on smart city initiatives in Bengaluru. The proposed model will enable Japanese companies to partner with cities globally to design and implement solutions for urban challenges, backed by government support, according to a statement from the state’s IT/BT department.
Karnataka plans stricter laws to combat illegal liquor sales
Karnataka is set to introduce stringent laws to combat the rampant illegal liquor trade. In a decisive move, the state government aims to classify Chloral hydrate powder, a common ingredient in illicit brews, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Ministers push airlines to launch air services to Kalaburagi and Bidar
Karnataka ministers met with airline representatives to explore new flight routes. Discussions focused on connecting Bengaluru with Kalaburagi and Bidar. Airlines are reviewing operational feasibility and commercial viability. Firm proposals for flight timings are expected by March 23. A final decision on these new services will be made soon.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge accuses BJP of formulating LPG cylinder crisis in India
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleged the BJP created the LPG cylinder shortage. He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy decisions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman countered, criticizing the opposition's protests. She stated the government is preparing for supply chain disruptions. The opposition, she added, is pursuing its own agenda instead of national interest.
Karnataka forms panel led by Kris Gopalakrishnan to guide AI deployment
Members include Accenture India managing director Ajay Vij, IBM India chief technology officer Amith Singhee and Wipro chief operating officer Sanjeev Jain, among other industry and institutional experts, the IT/BT department said in a statement.
IAMAI urges Karnataka to defer gig worker welfare fee on ecomm firms till specifics are defined
Per the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security & Welfare) Act, 2025, ecommerce operators are required to pay 1% of their commission, subject to a cap, to fund gig workers’ welfare.
Karnataka installs 25-qubit quantum computing system at IIIT-Dharwad, IIIT-Raichur under LEAP initiative
The system is developed by QpiAI Indus and is the company’s second deployment in Karnataka. The move is expected to expand access to quantum computing capabilities for academia and industry. State IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge said the centres of excellence spanning agritech to spacetech are key pillars of the state’s innovation ecosystem, with quantum computing emerging as the next frontier.
Govt considering sustainable data centre policy: Karnataka IT Minister
Karnataka is developing a new sustainable data centre policy. This comes amid concerns about the significant water and energy consumption of existing facilities. The state government is exploring coastal areas like Mangaluru for future data centre development. This strategic shift aims to leverage sub-sea cable connectivity. The focus will be on smaller and medium-sized data centres rather than hyperscale ones.
Karnataka to set up agri innovation centre of excellence in Kalaburagi
The state’s IT/BT department, through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), has signed an agreement with the Krishi Kalpa Foundation to establish the centre. Per state IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge, the CoE will develop a strong platform for farmers, startups, researchers, and young innovators to collaborate on cutting-edge agritech solutions while strengthening livelihoods and driving sustainable economic growth across the region.
Hyderabad stealing a march over Bengaluru in GCC race
The Southern city is finding favour with global investors amid strong infrastructure, top tech talent, affordability and conducive ecosystem.
AI can cut animation costs by 25-40%, speed up production, says Priyank Kharge
The minister was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of GAFX, a three-day conference on animation, visual effects, gaming, comics (AVGC) and extended reality held in Bengaluru.
Karnataka is embedding immersive technologies across education, medical training: CM Siddaramaiah
Inaugurating the three-day GAFX 2026, a conference on animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (XR) in Bengaluru, the CM said growth should be geographically expansive and socially inclusive, unlocking opportunities across all districts of the state.
Karnataka to host GAFX 2026 to showcase AI-led content creation
The seventh edition of the summit, which begins on Friday in Bengaluru, will bring together creators, studios, technologists, investors, policymakers, and education leaders from India and overseas. Per IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge, the focus will be to move from being only a services powerhouse to becoming a global hub for original IP, next-gen storytelling, and immersive innovation.
Congress youth leader Uday Bhanu Chib arrested by Delhi Police following shirtless protest at AI Summit
Days after a “shirtless” protest at Bharat Mandapam, Uday Bhanu Chib, chief of the Indian Youth Congress, was arrested, marking the sixth detention in the case. Activists allegedly entered the AI Impact Summit using QR codes and revealed slogan-printed T-shirts targeting the government and the India-US trade deal. The BJP demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, while Priyank Kharge called the protest ill-timed but flagged separate controversies.
'Stand firmly with our Babbar Sher': Rahul Gandhi slams arrest of Congress' youth president as 'dictatorial'
Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib, president of the Indian Youth Congress. Gandhi stated the police action shows dictatorial tendencies and cowardice. He affirmed that peaceful protest is a democratic legacy. Gandhi declared his support for the arrested comrades. He emphasized that revealing truth to power is patriotism.
Karnataka weighs mobile ban for students, says Dy CM; schools urge caution
Karnataka government is considering a ban on mobile phones for school children. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that parents are pressuring the government to act. The government is examining models from other countries. This move aims to address the negative impact of excessive screen time on students' learning and mental health.
Karnataka's bioeconomy reaches $39 billion in 2025: Report
The Karnataka Bioeconomy Report 2025, released by the state's IT/BT ministry, in collaboration with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), a non-profit industry platform, said that the state’s bioeconomy increased from $31 billion two years earlier.
Karnataka: Kharge discusses with Austria & Cuba delegations on AI, Skilling
Karnataka is boosting its global tech ties. Officials met with Austrian and Cuban delegations to discuss AI, digital public infrastructure, and skilling. Bengaluru was recognised as a leading centre for digitisation and AI innovation. Cuba expressed interest in learning from Karnataka's ICT-led governance and workforce training.
Not sure if that was in the right spirit, says Priyank Kharge on Youth Congress protest at AI Summit
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge commented on the India AI Impact Summit protests. He felt the Indian Youth Congress protest was not in the right spirit. However, he added the BJP should be embarrassed by alleged Chinese products shown at the event. Kharge also described the summit as chaotic. Protests by the Youth Congress led to detentions.
Karnataka ties up with France and Poland on startup and innovation at AI Summit
According to an official statement, this collaboration builds on initial discussions held during the Bengaluru Tech Summit and formalises a shared intent to establish structured cooperation between Karnataka and the Katowice region across innovation-led sectors.
Karnataka leads India's AI race, says IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge
Kharge also attended a US-India Business Council roundtable on tech and investment ties, met Finnish MP Timo Harakka to discuss AI and deeptech collaboration, and held talks with Cyprus’s research deputy minister Nicodemos Damianou on using Cyprus as a gateway to Europe for Bengaluru startups and boosting innovation partnerships.
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