Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated Google I/O Connect India 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru, reaffirming the city’s standing as one of the world’s leading technology and innovation hubs. Addressing attendees at the event, Shivakumar described the gathering as another milestone that reflects Bengaluru’s growing global prominence in the technology ecosystem.
Calling the event “yet another recognition of Bengaluru’s position as a global technology and innovation powerhouse,” Shivakumar emphasized the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) across multiple sectors. He said AI has the potential to reshape education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship and governance, underscoring the need to leverage the technology responsibly to drive inclusive growth and improve public services.
Highlighting Karnataka’s contribution to India’s innovation landscape, Shivakumar noted that the state is home to more than 18,000 startups, making it one of the country’s most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. He also pointed out that nearly 40% of India’s unicorns have emerged from Karnataka, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a preferred destination for technology companies and startups.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said Karnataka accounts for 58% of India’s AI startup funding, reflecting the state’s leadership in attracting investment into emerging technologies. According to him, this momentum has helped position Bengaluru at the forefront of AI innovation and enterprise development.
Shivakumar also highlighted Bengaluru’s research and innovation credentials, stating that the city files more patents than any other city in India. He added that Bengaluru is now ranked among the world’s top five AI cities, alongside Silicon Valley, New York, Beijing and, underscoring its growing influence in the global technology ecosystem.
Google I/O Connect India 2026 brought together developers, technology leaders, startups and industry stakeholders to discuss the latest advancements in AI, cloud computing and software development. The event served as a platform to showcase emerging technologies while reinforcing Bengaluru’s role as a key destination for global innovation, digital talent and AI-driven growth.
