Karnataka, India, is positioning itself as a global partner in various sectors beyond just technology, according to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Speaking at the ‘Bridge to Bengaluru 2026 – Dialogue with Diplomats’ event in New Delhi, Shivakumar emphasized the state's readiness for international collaboration in trade, innovation, and cultural exchanges. The event brought together diplomats from over 80 countries and highlighted Bengaluru's appeal as a hub for talent and investment. Karnataka boasts over 18,000 startups and 570 global capability centers, showcasing its strengths in research and market access. A significant focus of the dialogue was the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA 2.0), which aims to foster outcome-driven collaborations in sectors like artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026, scheduled for November 17-19, is expected to attract over 25,000 delegates and 1,000 startups, further solidifying Karnataka's role in global innovation.