Bengaluru Tech Summit ropes in European partners to create global growth opportunities for startups

Visitors at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 in Bengaluru. The government of Karnataka is trying to position Bengaluru Tech Summit as a year-round platform for global technology and innovation engagement rather than an annual event. | Photo Credit: Sudhakara Jain Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), Karnataka’s annual technology exposition, has expanded its engagement with Europe through partnerships with Italy’s We Make Future (WMF), France’s VivaTech and Poland’s technology ecosystem to create global growth opportunities for startups in Karnataka.The collaborations are aimed at providing start-ups in Karnataka access to international markets, investors, innovation networks and cross-border partnerships, while positioning Bengaluru Tech Summit as a year-round platform for global technology and innovation engagement rather than an annual event, according to Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology.These partnerships were intended to create tangible opportunities for Karnataka’s startups and technology companies by opening pathways to global markets, investors and innovation ecosystems, said the Minister adding that the State’s focus is on building long-term collaborations that will help our startups scale internationally.Under the collaboration, WMF, one of Europe’s largest international trade fairs and festivals dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence, technology, and digital innovation, and BTS would launch a Startup Exchange Programme, enabling start-ups from Karnataka and Europe to participate in each other’s flagship events, connect with investors, explore new markets and pursue cross-border business opportunities.The partnership was formally announced at We Make Future 2026 recently held in Italy.BTS has also entered into a long-term collaboration with VivaTech to strengthen connections between the Indian and European innovation ecosystems. The partnership would extend beyond BTS 2026, and include participation in future editions of VivaTech, while facilitating knowledge exchange and international collaboration among start-ups, investors and technology companies.As part of its outreach in Poland, the BTS delegation held a roadshow in Katowice, engaging with government agencies, innovation organisations, and more than 40 technology companies. The discussions focused on technology partnerships, market access, and encouraging Polish startups and companies to participate in Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026. Published - July 23, 2026 11:05 am IST