Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026: Complete Guide to Dates, Venue, Conference and Exhibition
The Bengaluru Tech Summit is Karnataka’s flagship technology event and one of Asia’s largest integrated innovation platforms. Organised by the Government of Karnataka, the summit brings together CEOs, policymakers, researchers, startups and investors under one roof for three days of conferences, exhibitions and startup showcases.
Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 — the 29th edition — runs from 17 to 19 November 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), under the theme “AI & Beyond.” This guide breaks down the dates, venue, ticket tiers, conference tracks, exhibition details and startup programmes so you can decide how to attend and what to plan for.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Bengaluru Tech Summit?
- Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 at a Glance
- Who Organises the Bengaluru Tech Summit?
- Why Bengaluru? Karnataka’s Tech Leadership
- Conference at BTS 2026: Igniting Futurise
- Exhibition at BTS 2026: Asia’s Tech Commerce Marketplace
- Future Makers: The Startup Ecosystem at BTS 2026
- Awards, Quizzes & Special Programmes
- Who Should Attend Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026?
- How to Register for Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026
- Preparing for BTS 2026? Build Your Skills First
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
What Is the Bengaluru Tech Summit?
The Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) is an annual, multi-day technology and innovation event hosted in Bengaluru by the Government of Karnataka. It combines a policy-and-leadership conference, a large trade exhibition, and a dedicated startup platform called Future Makers.
Unlike a single-track conference, BTS functions as a full innovation ecosystem event: government ministers and secretaries share the stage with global CEOs, deeptech founders, venture capitalists and academic researchers, while the exhibition floor turns those conversations into business deals, product demos and partnerships.
Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Edition | 29th |
| Dates | 17–19 November 2026 |
| Timing | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily |
| Theme | AI & Beyond |
| Venue | Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), 10th Mile, Tumkur Road, Bengaluru 562123 |
| Countries represented | 75+ |
| Indian states & UTs | 30+ |
| Exhibitors | 1,800+ |
| Tech startups | 1,000+ |
| Conference sessions | 120+ |
| Speakers | 700+ |
| Delegates | 25,000+ |
| Business visitors | 60,000+ |
These figures come directly from the summit’s own event statistics and give a sense of scale before you decide which pass or exhibition space fits your goals.
Who Organises the Bengaluru Tech Summit?
The Bengaluru Tech Summit is led by the Government of Karnataka, through its Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology. Karnataka has built its identity around this sector for decades, and the state was the first in India to draft its own dedicated IT, Biotech, ESDM, AVGC and Start-up policies.
Three institutions do the operational heavy lifting alongside the government:
- Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS / K-tech) — the nodal agency implementing decisions from Karnataka’s Vision Groups on IT and Biotechnology, and the main liaison between industry and government.
- Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) — an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), responsible for software export infrastructure and the STPI IT Export Awards presented at BTS.
- MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications — the summit’s event curator since 2000, which has organised more than 100 national and international technology conventions and also publishes industry titles like Bio Spectrum and NuFFooDS Spectrum.
Karnataka’s Vision Groups on Information Technology, Biotechnology and Start-Ups — expert think tanks made up of industry leaders and academics — also shape the summit’s direction each year, guiding which sectors and formats get priority on the agenda.
Why Bengaluru? Karnataka’s Tech Leadership
Bengaluru Tech Summit doesn’t happen in Bengaluru by coincidence — the city and state have built the underlying industrial base over three decades. A few figures explain why global delegates keep returning:
- Karnataka is India’s #1 hub for software exports, biotech production and exports, and aerospace and defence manufacturing.
- The state drives 22% of India’s electronics exports, ranking #2 nationally in FY 2024–25.
- Karnataka has India’s 3rd-largest skilled workforce.
- Bengaluru ranked 12th among the world’s leading tech hubs in 2024.
- Bengaluru ranked 14th in the Global Startup Ecosystem rankings for 2025.
That combination of manufacturing scale, software talent and startup density is what lets BTS position itself as a genuine deal-making venue rather than just a speaker series.
Conference at BTS 2026: Igniting Futurise
The Conference track at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 runs under the banner “Igniting Futurise,” building on the previous edition’s momentum with global leaders, innovators and policymakers. Over three days, it combines keynote sessions, fireside chats, panel discussions, masterclasses and closed-door roundtables.
Who speaks at the BTS conference?
Expect a mix of global CEOs and CTOs, deeptech founders and unicorn builders, ministers and policymakers from India and abroad, venture capitalists and family offices, academic researchers, and thought leaders across emerging technology.
Thematic tracks
BTS 2026’s conference programme is organised into focused thematic tracks rather than one generic agenda, letting attendees pick sessions relevant to their sector:
| Track | Focus |
|---|---|
| IT & Deeptech | AI, next-gen computing, quantum technologies, digital architecture and policy |
| Frontier Tech | AI, aerospace, robotics, advanced manufacturing, Web3 and materials science |
| Embedded World India (co-located) | Electronics, semiconductors and embedded technologies |
| Electric Mobility | EV revolution and mobility-focused startups |
| Health & Biotech | AI-enabled diagnostics, precision medicine, digital health |
| Digital Infrastructure & Data Centers | Hyperscale, sustainable and edge-enabled infrastructure |
| Data & Cybersecurity | AI-driven threat intelligence, data governance, cyber resilience |
| Assistive Tech | Accessibility and independence technologies for persons with disabilities |
| Focus GCC | Global Capability Centres evolving into innovation hubs |
| Circular Economy | Sustainable production and resource efficiency via technology |
| Orange Economy | Creative and cultural industries powered by digital platforms |
| Finverse | Financial ecosystems and fintech innovation |
| Skilling & Edutech | Building a future-ready technology workforce |
| India-USA Tech Conclave | Bilateral technology partnerships and co-investment |
| Global Collaborations | Cross-border innovation alliances and investment flows |
| India Innovates | Grassroots innovation and scalable Indian tech solutions |
Delegate passes and pricing
BTS 2026 offers three delegate tiers, each covering all three days of the summit. An early bird discount applies until 21 August 2026.
| Tier | Standard Price (3 days) | Early Bird Price |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | ₹20,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Gold | ₹14,000 | ₹7,000 |
| Silver | ₹8,000 | ₹4,000 |
Prices shown are for Indian delegates; international delegate pricing is available on the official registration page. 18% GST applies on top of all listed prices.
What each tier includes
| Entitlement | Platinum | Gold | Silver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inaugural session | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Trends Stage | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Conference sessions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Future Makers Conclave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| STPI IT Export Awards function | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| VIP lounge access | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Lunches | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CEO gala dinner | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Networking dinner | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Priority registration | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Priority conference seating | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free metro tickets | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delegate kit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exhibition hall access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| InterlinX B2B networking access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
If your main goal is networking and dealmaking rather than gala events, Silver still gets you full exhibition access, conference sessions and the B2B matchmaking platform — the pricier tiers mainly add VIP dinners and priority seating.
India-USA Tech Conclave
One track worth calling out specifically: the India-USA Tech Conclave is a cornerstone platform at BTS designed to deepen collaboration between two of the world’s largest innovation economies. It brings policymakers, industry leaders and research heads together for focused sessions on emerging technology partnerships, regulatory alignment and co-investment frameworks — useful if you’re exploring cross-border deals rather than domestic ones.
Exhibition at BTS 2026: Asia’s Tech Commerce Marketplace
If the conference is where ideas get discussed, the Exhibition is where they turn into business. BTS 2026’s exhibition is built around converting conversations into partnerships and product demos into deals, hosted across BIEC’s expanded floor space.
The exhibition will host 1,600+ exhibitors from across India and more than 60 countries, spanning:
- 450+ corporates
- 175+ international exhibitors
- 1,000+ startups
- 25+ unicorns and VCs
- 50+ incubators and accelerators
- 30+ R&D labs
- 25+ Indian states represented
- 50+ universities and institutes
Exhibition pavilions
Rather than one undifferentiated hall, BTS organises exhibitors into themed pavilions so visitors can navigate by sector: Corporate & Industry, Country Pavilion, Startup Pavilion, National Showcase, R&D Pavilion (Lab to Market), Association Pavilion, Leading States of India, Karnataka Showcase, Biotech & Health Tech, ElectroSemicon, Telecom, Defence & Spacetech, Energy & Climate, Mobility, Edutech, BFSI & Fintech, and Animation & Gaming.
Who exhibits at BTS?
Exhibitor categories span the full technology stack — enterprise software, AI/ML and cloud providers, cybersecurity and quantum computing firms, semiconductor and chip-design companies, biotech and health-tech innovators, deeptech and climate-tech startups, defence and aerospace manufacturers, fintech and digital payments companies, and EV and mobility firms, alongside academic research institutions, incubators, VCs, and international trade delegations.
Exhibition space and pricing
| Space Type | Rate | Sample Booking | Sample Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Space | ₹14,000/sq.m | 9 sq.m | ₹1,26,000 |
| Raw Space | ₹13,000/sq.m | 36 sq.m | ₹4,68,000 |
Rates shown are for international exhibitors. Indian exhibitor rates are available on enquiry. 18% GST applies.
Future Makers: The Startup Ecosystem at BTS 2026
Future Makers is BTS’s dedicated startup platform — the part of the summit most relevant if you’re an early-stage founder rather than an enterprise buyer. It returns for 2026 as the anchor for startup and investment engagement at the summit.
Startup Pavilion
Over 350+ startups, incubators and accelerators will exhibit at the Future Makers pavilion, aimed at generating visibility with the business visitors and international delegates walking the floor.
Startup POD pricing
| POD Type | Standard Price | Early Bird Price |
|---|---|---|
| Startup POD with 43″ TV screen | ₹60,000 | ₹37,500 |
| Startup POD (standard) | ₹52,000 | ₹30,000 |
Applicable only to startups less than 7 years old. 18% GST applies. Each POD includes one complimentary Silver delegate pass, two exhibitor badges, and a listing in the e-directory.
Investor Connect Programme
The Investor Connect Programme is a curated three-day initiative designed to put startups face-to-face with investors, corporates and ecosystem leaders, with a specific focus on strategic partnerships, investor relationships (capital, mentorship, market access) and new business opportunities. The 2026 edition is expanding its matchmaking and sector-specific deal flow after a successful prior run.
Pitching, mentoring and product launches
Future Makers also runs several founder-facing formats across the three days:
- Mentoring sessions — direct access to entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and domain experts for strategic and go-to-market guidance.
- Pitching Arena — startups present to global investors and industry leaders, with a strong lean toward deeptech, AI, climate tech, biotech, semiconductors and spacetech.
- Reverse Pitching — investors pitch startups on their fund philosophy and portfolio focus, flipping the usual dynamic.
- Product Launch 5.0 — a stage for unveiling next-gen products to investors, media and government representatives; the 2025 edition saw more than 50 product launches.
- R&D Lab to Market — a pavilion connecting research institutions’ early-stage IP with industry partners and investors.
Future Makers Conclave
The Future Makers Conclave (FMC) takes place on 19 November 2026 in Hall No. 5, under the theme “Dream. Dare. Disrupt.” It’s a high-energy, roughly 2.5-hour programme expected to draw over 15,000 founders, entrepreneurs and visionaries, featuring marquee speakers, unicorn founders, investors and thought leaders shaping India’s innovation story.
Awards, Quizzes & Special Programmes
Alongside the conference, exhibition and Future Makers, BTS runs several recognition and community programmes worth knowing about:
- STPI IT Export Awards — instituted by Software Technology Parks of India, recognising enterprises, MSMEs and startups strengthening India’s global IT export footprint.
- Smart Bio Awards — curated by the Association of Biotechnology-Led Enterprises (ABLE), honouring biopharma, medtech, agri-biotech and bio-industrial achievements.
- Sustainable Stall Awards — recognising exhibitors demonstrating environmentally responsible stall design and operations.
- Unicorn Felicitation — honouring Indian startups that achieved unicorn status.
- Global BEEs Conclave — hosted by TiE Bangalore, bringing together global TiE Charter Members around ecosystem-building.
- TCS National Rural IT Quiz & BioQuiz — a long-running flagship programme engaging school and university students in tech-focused competitions.
- Poster Showcase — open to students, researchers and academicians to present research under the “AI & Beyond” theme, with a cash prize of ₹20,000 for exceptional entries.
- InterlinX B2B Meetings — a matchmaking platform enabling curated one-to-one meetings between delegates, startups, corporates, investors and government entities.
Who Should Attend Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026?
| Attendee type | Why it’s worth attending |
|---|---|
| Corporates & enterprises | Explore emerging technologies, identify innovation opportunities via the Startup Pavilion, and build partnerships with global companies and government agencies. |
| Startup founders | Pitch to VCs and corporate venture arms, join the Investor Connect Programme, and get direct exposure through the Future Makers Pavilion. |
| Investors & VCs | Access startups across sectors and growth stages in one venue, with structured matchmaking through InterlinX and Reverse Pitching sessions. |
| International delegations | Explore India’s technology and startup ecosystem through country pavilions, global innovation dialogues and dedicated B2G meetings. |
| Academia & researchers | Present research through the Poster Showcase and R&D Lab to Market pavilion, and explore industry-academia collaboration. |
| Tech professionals & developers | Get hands-on exposure to AI, cybersecurity and semiconductor innovations, and network with technologists from around the world. |
How to Register for Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026
- Pick your delegate tier — Silver, Gold or Platinum, based on which entitlements (VIP dinners, priority seating, awards functions) matter to you.
- Register before 21 August 2026 to lock in the early bird rate, which roughly halves the standard price across all tiers.
- Complete payment — all listed prices are exclusive of 18% GST, so budget accordingly.
- Collect your delegate kit and badge, which also unlocks free metro travel for the summit dates.
- Plan your exhibition route in advance using the pavilion list, since 1,600+ exhibitors across multiple halls can be hard to cover without a plan.
- Set up InterlinX B2B meetings ahead of the event to lock in one-to-one conversations with specific companies or investors rather than relying on floor walk-ins.
Preparing for BTS 2026? Build Your Skills First
If you’re attending Bengaluru Tech Summit as a founder, developer or career-changer rather than as a corporate delegate, the summit works best when you walk in with a working grasp of the sector you’re exploring — whether that’s AI, cybersecurity, fintech or product management. Learnmango helps you go from event inspiration to action — discover 100+ verified coaches across 25+ niches, compare, and explore programmes to build the skills you need before your next big tech event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bengaluru Tech Summit? The Bengaluru Tech Summit is Karnataka’s flagship technology event and one of Asia’s largest innovation platforms. Organised by the Government of Karnataka, it brings together global CEOs, policymakers, startups, investors and researchers across a multi-day conference, exhibition and startup showcase focused on AI, deeptech and emerging technologies.
When is Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026? Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 (BTS 2026), the 29th edition, takes place from 17 to 19 November 2026, running daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Where is Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 held? BTS 2026 is held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), 10th Mile, Tumkur Road, Bengaluru 562123, Karnataka.
What is the theme of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026? The 2026 edition runs under the theme “AI & Beyond,” with its Conference track specifically framed around “Igniting Futurise” — covering AI, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, healthtech and frontier science.
Who organises the Bengaluru Tech Summit? It is organised by the Government of Karnataka through its Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, supported by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Karnataka’s Vision Groups, and event curator MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications.
How much do delegate passes cost for BTS 2026? Three-day delegate passes are priced at ₹8,000 (Silver), ₹14,000 (Gold) and ₹20,000 (Platinum), plus 18% GST. An early bird discount cuts these to ₹4,000, ₹7,000 and ₹10,000 respectively if booked before 21 August 2026.
Can I visit the Bengaluru Tech Summit exhibition without a full conference pass? All three delegate tiers, including Silver, include exhibition hall access, so even the entry-level pass covers the 1,600+ exhibitor showcase.
What is Future Makers at Bengaluru Tech Summit? Future Makers is BTS’s dedicated startup platform, featuring a 350+ startup exhibition pavilion, an Investor Connect Programme, pitching and mentoring sessions, and the Future Makers Conclave — a large-scale gathering for founders, investors and innovators.
How can a startup exhibit at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026? Startups less than seven years old can book a Startup POD through the Future Makers programme, priced from ₹30,000 (early bird, without TV screen) to ₹60,000 (with a 43-inch TV screen), plus GST, which includes a complimentary Silver delegate pass.
What is the India-USA Tech Conclave at BTS 2026? It is a dedicated conference track at BTS 2026 that deepens bilateral collaboration between Indian and American innovation ecosystems, covering emerging technology partnerships, regulatory alignment and co-investment opportunities.
Who should attend Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026? BTS 2026 is designed for corporate leaders, startup founders, investors, government delegations, academic researchers and technology professionals seeking exposure to India’s AI, deeptech and startup ecosystem.
How many delegates and exhibitors does BTS 2026 expect? Organisers project 25,000+ delegates, 60,000+ business visitors, 1,800+ exhibitors, 1,000+ tech startups, 700+ speakers, and participation from 75+ countries and 30+ Indian states and union territories.
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026 is the 29th edition, running 17–19 November 2026 at BIEC under the theme “AI & Beyond.”
- It’s organised by the Government of Karnataka, with KITS, STPI and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications running operations.
- The summit has three core pillars: the Conference (16 thematic tracks including AI, cybersecurity, fintech and the India-USA Tech Conclave), the Exhibition (1,600+ exhibitors across 17 pavilions), and Future Makers (the startup and investor platform).
- Delegate passes range from ₹4,000 to ₹20,000 (early bird, plus GST), with all tiers including exhibition access.
- Startups under 7 years old can exhibit via a Startup POD from ₹30,000, which includes a free delegate pass.
- The early bird deadline is 21 August 2026 — after that, prices roughly double across all tiers.