Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026: Karnataka Sets the Stage for Workforce 2030

The Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 has officially commenced, drawing together a distinguished group of Karnataka ministers and prominent industry figures. Centered on the theme ‘Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy’, this second edition serves as a vital meeting point for government officials, industry pioneers, and leaders in skill development. Bengaluru, 4 November 2026: The second edition of the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 opened at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, on 3 November 2026. The inaugural session featured a keynote address by Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, alongside an inaugural speech delivered by Dr. M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development.

The three-day summit, running from 3 to 5 November 2026, is spearheaded by the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood (SDEL), Government of Karnataka. It is hosted by the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC) in partnership with the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA). Trescon is managing the event, with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) serving as the Knowledge Partner and Japan acting as the Country Partner. By uniting policymakers, employers, educational institutions, and industry experts under the theme ‘Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy’, the summit aims to foster dialogue on the future of workforce development, industry-aligned training, and employment pathways.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by several senior ministers, government officials and industry representatives, including Dr. M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology, and E-Governance; Shri Basavaraja Rayareddy, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education and Shri Rizwan Arshad, Hon’ble Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.

Other dignitaries present included Smt. Shivakantamma (Kanta) Naik, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation and Karnataka Vocational Training & Skill Development Corporation; Shri Subroto Bagchi, Chairman, Vision Group for Skill Development, Government of Karnataka; Shri Guruprasad Mudlapur, President, Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited; Shri Rangesh Raghavan, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Lam Research India; Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, IAS (R), Chairman, Karnataka Skill Development Authority; Shri Subodh Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood; Smt. Vasireddi Vijaya Jyothsna, IAS, Mission Director, National Livelihood Mission; Smt. Shilpa M, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Industrial Training and Employment; Dr. Ravi M. Tirlapur, KAS, Managing Director, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation and Karnataka Vocational Training & Skill Development Corporation; Mr. Nawata Hiroshi, Consul General of Japan in Bengaluru; Mr. Steven Connolly, Acting Consul General of Australia in Bengaluru; Mr. Harshbir Sangha, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka; Mr. Giandomenico Milano, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru; Prof. Neeraj A. Sharma, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Palau to India; Ms. Shabinaa Sultana, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Tunisia; Mr. Parthasarathi, Member, Vision Group; Mr. Sharan Patil, Member, Vision Group; Mr. Madan Padaki, Member, Vision Group; and Rev. Fr. Victor Lobo, Vice Chancellor, St. Joseph's University.

Proceedings opened with the National Song, National Anthem and State Anthem, followed by the welcome address by Shri Subodh Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood. The summit was then formally inaugurated by the dignitaries through the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

The inaugural session included insights from both government and industry leaders, featuring remarks from Shri Rangesh Raghavan, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Lam Research India; Shri Guruprasad Mudlapur, President, Bosch Group in India; Shri Subroto Bagchi, Chairman, Vision Group for Skill Development, Government of Karnataka; and Smt. Shivakantamma (Kanta) Naik, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation. A video presentation by SDEL followed, showcasing the department’s ongoing initiatives and activities.

Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, provided the opening address. The ceremony also honored Karnataka’s representatives who competed at the 48th WorldSkills Competition 2026 in Shanghai, China. Following these tributes, other Hon’ble Ministers and dignitaries addressed the gathering.

During the event, the following publications were officially released by the ministers and distinguished guests:

• Karnataka Kaushalya Sampada – The Skill Handbook, 2026 edition
• Karnataka Talent Landscape 2026
• Karnataka’s Workforce Blueprint 2030, Second Edition

After the report launches, Dr. M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, delivered the inaugural speech. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Ravi M. Tirlapur, KAS, Managing Director, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation and Karnataka Vocational Training & Skill Development Corporation, followed by a networking dinner.

The event also celebrated Karnataka’s success in skill development by honoring participants from the 48th WorldSkills Competition 2026 in Shanghai, China. The accolades included a Silver Medal and Best of Nation Award in the Bakery category, as well as eight Medallions for Excellence across disciplines such as Additive Manufacturing, Electrical Installations, Industry 4.0, Mechatronics and Robot Systems Integration. These achievements highlight the state’s skilled talent and their role in representing India on the global stage.

Inaugurating the summit Dr. M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, said, "Karnataka offers a strong industrial ecosystem, investor-friendly policies and a skilled workforce to support future-ready industries. Together, let us invest with confidence, build future-ready talent and shape the next chapter of Karnataka’s industrial growth."

Speaking at the summit Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka said, "Our responsibility as a government is not simply to prepare young people for the jobs that exist today, but to equip them for the opportunities that will emerge tomorrow"

A platform for workforce development

The summit is built upon three core pillars: Scale, Systems and Synergy. The agenda emphasizes increasing access to high-quality training, reinforcing institutional frameworks, and enhancing collaboration between the government, private sector, and educational bodies.

Over the course of three days, the event will host policy discussions, industry-focused sessions, leadership dialogues, masterclasses, and a Skill Expo, alongside engagement opportunities for employers and youth. Key topics include artificial intelligence, emerging skills, the green economy, Industry 4.0, inclusive skilling, labour market intelligence, and international workforce mobility.

The Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 will continue until 5 November at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

For more information, visit www.bengaluruskillsummit.com.

About Bengaluru Skill Summit

Bengaluru Skill Summit is a platform led by the Government of Karnataka to bring together policymakers, industry, educational institutions and skill development stakeholders to discuss workforce development and the future of skills. The 2026 edition is being held under the theme ‘Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy’.