Karnataka government is now working to spur innovation in the biotechnology and information technology (BT/IT) sector. The state has envisaged that the future will be defined not just by IT but through a fusion of physical, digital and biological platforms. Through its initiative ‘Innovate Karnataka’ it created an umbrella brand for emerging technologies like blockchain, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology which helps to accelerate the start-up ecosystem.
To begin with, the government has launched two portals: Yuva Yuga portal which is a one-stop-shop skill development program. The other is e-Margadarshi for the youth seeking employment opportunities.
“Our state has been the torchbearer for innovation and technology in India. Development cannot happen without innovation. With ‘Innovate Karnataka’, we hope to create a pathway for Mission 2025: where technology will help inclusive development, said Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.
The objective of ‘Innovate Karnataka’ is to see the state as a first choice of innovation and technology by adopting policies which spur 100% digitization of health, among other domains to enable comprehensive digital growth, he added.
‘Innovate Karnataka’ will be spearheaded by the Department of Innovation and Technology, the erstwhile Department of IT and BT, stated the Karnataka chief minister.
The Department of IT was carved out of from Department of Commerce and Industry in 1998 and the sector gained prominence. The government comprehended the potential of biotechnology and renamed it in September 2001 as the department of IT and BT.
“We are at the cusp of a technology revolution, and Karnataka is poised to be the global leader in innovation. The state which spearheaded the start-up movement is also ensuring that it is also at the forefront of blockchain, nanotechnology, AI innovation. Now, it is the time to give Karnataka a secure future where technology solves real problems, said Minister for IT and BT Priyank Kharge.
“The biotech industry works closely with Karnataka’s department of IT and BT. The name change to the department of Innovation and Technology is laudable. We must also appreciate the Karnataka government for its far sightedness in forming the Vision Group on biotechnology in 2000. This was an idea ahead of its time and worked well which enabled the state to take leadership in both IT and BT. This was also the coming together of the industry, academia and government in a seamless manner. This formula has worked well and is a powerful one,” stated Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson, Vision Group on biotechnology in Karnataka and CMD, Biocon at the recent 2nd edition of the Bio-economy conference in Bengaluru.
The State government indicated to the industry that the concept of technologies are best understood by pioneers in the sector. This is something which is worthy of emulation in other states as we have recommended to replicate the model too, she added.