Bengaluru: AI should not be limited to large technology companies and must reach every student, every young person and every entrepreneur, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Tuesday, adding that the next technology revolution will not be driven by software alone. "We are entering an era where hardware, electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies will become increasingly important," he said, noting that Karnataka has the opportunity to build on its legacy and become a leader in this next phase of technology..VTU offers PG courses in Quantum Technology & Electric Vehicle Technology.Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) on Tuesday marked its Golden Jubilee. Speaking at the event, Shivakumar said KEONICS has grown alongside Karnataka’s technology ecosystem over the last five decades and continues to take up new opportunities in emerging technologies.The journey of Karnataka’s technology sector has not been limited to Bengaluru. "We have to take this growth beyond Bengaluru and ensure that opportunities reach every part of the state. We have to build technology ecosystems in other cities and regions of Karnataka as well. At the same time, we must recognise the challenges that Bengaluru faces. Traffic congestion and pressure on infrastructure are realities that we cannot ignore. The growth of the city has created enormous economic value, but our infrastructure must grow along with it. Technology has to be part of the solution," he said.The CM also said that Karnataka has always believed in innovation and entrepreneurship. "We want to create an environment where young people can take risks, build solutions and create opportunities," he said.He also unveiled the new KEONICS logo and released the commemorative booklet.Established in 1976, KEONICS played a foundational role in the development of 332 acres of land for Electronic City and has since evolved from an electronics promotion agency into a technology partner supporting government, industry and citizens. Today, its work spans IT infrastructure, digital services, government technology, skill development and digital procurement, with a growing focus on expanding technology opportunities beyond Bengaluru.IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said that when KEONICS was established, there was no Electronics City as we know it today. "There was no technology success story. There was no internet economy. There were no Global Capability Centres. KEONICS was one of the institutions that helped create the foundation for what Karnataka has become today. If you look at Electronics City, the land that was initially around 332 acres has now grown to nearly 900 acres. Today, Electronics City contributes close to 4.3% of Karnataka’s State GDP," Kharge said."For the next 50 years, we should not let go of the head start that Karnataka has created," he said.Former Chief Minister of Karnataka Veerappa Moily recalled the significance of the early vision behind Electronic City, noting that the development of Karnataka’s technology ecosystem was built on long-term thinking and institutional commitment.Moily also recalled the Infosys story. "A young man came to us with just Rs 10,000. He wanted a piece of land and wanted to build his company. At that time, senior officers were not necessarily willing to support such an initiative. But we believed that if somebody came with an idea, we had to give them an opportunity. I told the officers that until he was able to stand on his own feet, we should support him with government work. That is how the Infosys story began. A company that started with Rs 10,000 went on to become what it is today," he said..Startup demonstrates instant pothole repair technology .Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS, said Electronic City is home to about 200 companies including large, small, IT and ITeS companies, providing over 3 lakh jobs. BV Naidu, Chairman, KDEM and Nandini B, Chairperson, ELCIA, also spoke on the occasion.As KEONICS enters its sixth decade, it is expanding its focus beyond Bengaluru, with a pipeline of technology infrastructure, digital services, skilling and AI initiatives aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s regional technology ecosystem. Some of the key initiatives include next-generation IT Parks across Karnataka. KEONICS is developing new technology infrastructure in Shivamogga, Mangaluru and Mysuru, with PPP/DFBOT models planned for several projects to bring private-sector participation and investment into regional technology development.
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