The inaugural edition of the Bengaluru Skill Summit, organized by the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL), Government of Karnataka, was held at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, from November 4 to 6. The summit focused on transforming Karnataka’s workforce through skill development, international partnerships, and robust training and certification systems.
The event’s theme, “Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy,” highlighted the state’s emphasis on expanding opportunities at scale, strengthening systems for quality and relevance, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
The summit witnessed participation from over 3,000 attendees, including policymakers, corporate leaders, academic experts, and innovators. More than 100 speakers—ranging from ministers and global leaders to academic pioneers—shared their insights, alongside 50+ exhibitors and partners.
The inaugural ceremony took place on November 4, starting at 4:00 PM. Following registration, networking, and a short cultural program, the summit was inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood and Medical Education. Other dignitaries included Muhammad Reza Cassem Uteem, Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Republic of Mauritius, and Gupta, Managing Director – India and Asia Pacific, Coursera.
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Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil spoke about Karnataka’s achievements and ongoing efforts in skill development. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in skilling initiatives, noting that such efforts must reach “rural youth, women, self-help groups, marginalized communities, persons with disabilities, and traditional artisans and craftsmen.”
Following him, Muhammad Reza Cassem Uteem addressed the gathering, highlighting the long-standing ties between India and Mauritius and the vital role of Indian workers in the Mauritian economy. Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to India, joined virtually to discuss skilling opportunities in Germany and the growing number of Indian students and professionals working there.
The second day opened with remarks by E.V. Ramana Reddy, Chairman of the Karnataka Skill Development Authority, who outlined the state’s progress in skilling initiatives. This was followed by a talk from Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman of the Global Energy Alliance, on adapting and thriving in the age of AI.
A series of panel discussions covered topics such as sustainability, education, technology, and the future of work. A session featuring state ministers explored “The Convergence of Education, Skills & Industry for a Trillion USD Economy by 2032,” followed by a keynote address by B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog.
Later, the winners of the Karnataka Skill Competition and the Skillathon were felicitated, followed by a vibrant cultural program. In parallel, several roundtable sessions on technology, education, and skilling were held.
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The final day focused on international opportunities, inclusion, and technological transformation. The opening keynote by Muhammad Reza Cassem Uteem and a Country Partner panel featuring German representatives explored global opportunities for Indian professionals and the skills needed to leverage them.
Speakers such as Saraswati Ramachandra, Managing Director of Lightcast India, emphasized inclusion and shared steps taken to ensure women, people with disabilities, and underrepresented groups can access new opportunities. Discussions on AI and the future of work underlined the growing importance of upskilling and reskilling. Subroto Bagchi, Co-Founder of Mindtree and Former Chairman of Odisha Skill Development Authority, detailed his efforts to strengthen vocational education.
The day concluded with the Kaushalya Karnataka Awards, recognizing outstanding Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Government Tool Room & Training Centres (GTTCs), and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). The event closed with another cultural program celebrating Karnataka’s talent and innovation.
An exhibition featuring institutions such as Labournet Foundation, MeritTrac, ISACA, SuprMentr, and Smartail showcased innovative solutions in skill development. The summit also provided ample networking opportunities, making it a landmark event in Karnataka’s ongoing mission to build a future-ready, inclusive workforce.