Yuva Udyoga Sethu Is Live: Connecting Karnataka Youth to Careers

Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Shri D. K. Shivakumar, officially unveiled "Yuva Udyoga Sethu" during the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026, a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between skilled professionals and job openings. As the summit entered its second day, the agenda remained centered on cultivating a workforce prepared for the future, fostering deeper ties between industry and academia, and bolstering the state’s overall skill development framework.

Bengaluru, 4 November 2026: The Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 moved into its second day, maintaining the momentum of dialogues aimed at fortifying Karnataka's labor ecosystem. The event convened government officials, corporate leaders, academic experts, and key figures in skill development to examine strategies for synchronizing educational curricula with industry demands and equipping the youth for upcoming career prospects.

Operating under the theme 'Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy', the second day saw the official introduction of Yuva Udyoga Setu, the Government of Karnataka’s new digital employment portal, led by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri D. K. Shivakumar. Additionally, Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the Expo Zone, creating a dedicated space for organizations and industry players to showcase their technologies, projects, and broader impact on the skilling landscape.

The launch ceremony was attended by Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology, and E-Governance, Government of Karnataka; Smt. Shivakantamma (Kanta) Naik, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation and Karnataka Vocational Training & Skill Development Corporation; and Shri Subodh Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood.

Expo Zone inaugurated to connect industry and the skill development ecosystem

A significant milestone of the second day was the formal opening of the Expo Zone, conducted by Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka.

The inauguration was attended by 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 Subodh Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood; and Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, IAS (R), Chairman, Karnataka Skill Development Authority.

The Expo Zone serves as a hub for companies, industry delegates, training providers, and various stakeholders to display their latest technologies, training methodologies, and broader contributions to the skilling sector. It offers attendees a chance to interact directly with entities focused on vocational training, workforce advancement, and industry-driven skill initiatives.

By combining expert sessions, industry networking, and exhibition showcases, the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 is actively tackling the requirement for tighter cooperation between government policymakers, employers, and academic institutions. The day’s proceedings underscored the necessity of creating an inclusive, industry-relevant, and future-proof workforce, while simultaneously broadening the avenues for youth to gain essential skills and secure employment.

Shri Subroto Bagchi calls for greater respect and recognition for skilled workers

During his address, Shri Subroto Bagchi, Chairman, Vision Group for Skill Development, Government of Karnataka, advocated for a shift in societal perceptions regarding vocational training and skilled trades. He stressed the critical need for dignity, equitable compensation, inclusivity, and enhanced social recognition for those in skilled professions.

Highlighting that skill-based training deserves parity with traditional academic paths, Shri Bagchi said, "Whatever we may say, the first step is to respect the skilled worker. The second, we need to ensure that there are sustainable wages and not just minimum wages because you cannot respect the skilled worker unless the wages are right."

BV Naidu, Chairman, KDEM, said, "The Bengaluru Skill Summit provides an important platform for bringing together government, industry and academia to address Karnataka’s evolving workforce needs. With nearly 65% of the state’s population below 35 years and over 550 GCCs driving its digital economy, Karnataka has a significant talent advantage. The focus must now be on aligning skill development with industry requirements and connecting our young people with emerging employment opportunities. Through initiatives such as Beyond Bengaluru, KDEM is strengthening regional technology ecosystems and expanding industry opportunities."

The second edition of Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 is being held from 3–5 November 2026 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, under the theme 'Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy'. Organised by the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood (SDEL), Government of Karnataka, and hosted by the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), in collaboration with the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), the three-day summit brings together government, industry, academia and international stakeholders. Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is the Knowledge Partner, Japan is the Country Partner, and Trescon manages the event.

About Bengaluru Skill Summit

The Bengaluru Skill Summit is an initiative spearheaded by the Government of Karnataka, designed to convene policymakers, corporate leaders, academic institutions, and skill development experts to deliberate on workforce evolution and the future of professional skills. The 2026 edition is being held under the theme 'Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy'.