Technology and Talent are two cornerstones of Bengaluru: DCM DK Shivakumar20% of Bengaluru is IT professionals1.5 lakh crore for development of infrastructure in Bengaluru

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, Nov 18: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today hailed talent and technology as two key cornerstones of Bengaluru.

Speaking after inaugurating the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre along with CM Siddaramaiah, he said, “Bengaluru has a share of 40% in IT exports from India. We have the highest number of engineering, medical, para medical colleges in the country. No other state has the talent pool that our state boasts. All the investors have come to Bengaluru reposing faith in us and hence we are working on a war footing to provide infrastructure.”

“The theme of this edition, Futurise, isn’t a statement, it is change. It is foundation for a better tomorrow. I am not standing here in front of you as the DCM of the state but as a voice to your investments in the state. We are trying to co-build a global future for Karnataka,” he said.

“The IT fair has been taking place in Karnataka since 1998. This is the biggest IT event in Asia. For the first time the venue has shifted from Bengaluru Palace to Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre. I remember that I had given permission for the Bengaluru Palace as the venue as an Urban Development Minister,” he recalled.

20% of Bengaluru is IT professionals
“Karnataka did not grow as an IT giant as a matter of chance. The government and the private sector have worked together to make it happen. Karnataka was the first state to introduce IT policy in the country. Karnataka was the first state to introduce IT ministry,” he explained.

“California has 13 lakh IT professionals while Bengaluru has 25 lakh. This shows the strength of Bengaluru. There are 1.4 crore people in Bengaluru, of which 20% are IT professionals,” he added.

Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Bengaluru development
“Our government has set aside Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the development of Bengaluru. 41 km Double decker flyovers, twin tunnel road, elevated corridor, buffer roads and 117-km Bengaluru Business Corridor are under works. Along with this, we are planning an IT city in Bidadi. We are also working a second airport in the south of Bengaluru. We will also start a new department for NRIs,” he informed.

Media reaction
Asked about the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, he said, “Leaders from around the world are visiting this event. They think that this is the future of IT. They have reposed faith in us and we will live up to it.”
Asked about infrastructure in Bengaluru, he said, “A lot of companies are excited to be here in Bengaluru because of its infrastructure. The rapid rise in population has put strain on the infrastructure. We are working on fixing it. We need cooperation from all quarters.”