BENGALURU, Nov 19 : A futuristic spectacle set the tone for the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024 as a man soared above the participants in a jet suit, defying gravity and the limits of modern technology.
The thrilling demonstration, powered by UK-based Gravity Industries, left the audience awestruck as the wearer of the suit zoomed through the air, reaching speeds of over 85 miles per hour.
A true embodiment of the summit’s theme-‘Unbound’-the flying man’s appearance signalled the dawn of a new era in personal flight, with applications in everything from search and rescue to extreme sports.
The suit’s remarkable ability to lift off, hover, and navigate through the air with controlled thrust, powered by multiple small gas turbines, captured the imagination of attendees. As the first day of the summit unfolded, it became clear that this was not just a demonstration of cutting-edge technology but a symbol of the limitless possibilities that the summit sought to explore.
While the flying man stole the show, the real focus of BTS 2024 was Karnataka’s rising stature as a global leader in innovation and technology. As part of its vision to lead the charge into the future, the state launched several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at shaping a new generation of skilled professionals and fostering innovation in key sectors.
One of the most anticipated announcements was the launch of *Nipuna Karnataka*, a skill development initiative aimed at preparing the state’s workforce for the high-tech jobs of tomorrow. Backed by global tech giants such as Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, and IBM, the programme will train 100,000 individuals over the next year in emerging technologies, with a target of ensuring 70% placement for the trained professionals in high-demand sectors.
Further strengthening its commitment to technological innovation, Karnataka also unveiled plans for a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bengaluru. Designed as a hub for research and development in AI, the centre will provide startups with access to capital, mentorship, and industry partnerships, bolstering Bengaluru’s position as a leader in the global AI race.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who spoke at the inauguration, highlighted the state’s technological dominance, from its leadership in semiconductor design to its role as the hub of India’s biotech workforce. He also noted Karnataka’s significant contributions to sectors like machine tool manufacturing and its position as the nation’s top intellectual property filer.
Furthermore, the state’s expertise in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) continues to set global benchmarks, with Karnataka set to train 25,000 students in these fields by 2025.
Another ambitious project announced was INNOVERSE, an innovation campus dedicated to the development of deep tech in fields like AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and IoT. This initiative is poised to create a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration between industries such as aerospace, social enterprises, and rural commerce, driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs.
The summit itself, set to unfold over the next two days, will feature discussions across six key tracks, including IT, Deep Tech, Biotech, and Healthtech, along with a special focus on India’s rapidly growing semiconductor sector through the new Electro-Semicon track. More than 50 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and Israel, are represented at BTS 2024, underscoring Karnataka’s role as a hub for global innovation.
The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 is not just a showcase of current achievements but a vision of what lies ahead. With global tech leaders and innovators gathering in the city, the summit sends a strong message: the future of innovation is not just unfolding-it’s already here, and it’s soaring to new heights.
The first day of the summit, highlighted by the flying man, was a spectacular preview of the bold new world of boundless possibilities that Karnataka is helping to create.(UNI)
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