The second edition of the flagship summit brings together government, industry, and skill development leaders under the theme ‘Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy.’
BENGALURU, 4 November 2026 — The second edition of the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 was officially inaugurated today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. The prestigious three-day event, running from 3 to 5 November 2026, brought together prominent government ministers, global diplomats, and industrial pioneers to shape the future of talent development and employment in Karnataka.
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 summit serves as a premier platform for driving industrial growth and workforce readiness. The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) serves as the Knowledge Partner, Japan joins as the Country Partner, and the event management is led by Trescon.
Visioning Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy
Centred around the overarching theme ‘Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy,’ the summit bridges the gap between policy vision and industry execution. Over three days, policymakers, employers, educational institutions, and vocational bodies will deliberate on critical pillars: scaling quality training, reinforcing institutional frameworks, and fostering public-private synergies.
The agenda addresses key transformative areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Industry 4.0, the green economy, global workforce mobility, inclusive skilling, and real-time labour market intelligence.
Inaugural Ceremony and Keynote Addresses
The opening ceremony commenced with the traditional rendition of the National Song, National Anthem, and State Anthem, followed by welcoming remarks from Shri Subodh Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, SDEL. Dignitaries then marked the commencement of the summit with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Delivering the opening address, Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, emphasized the government’s forward-looking mandate:
“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.”
In his inaugural speech, Dr. M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, highlighted Karnataka’s competitive edge and industrial readiness:
“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.”
Key Announcements, Publications, and Initiatives
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the release of three benchmark publications aimed at guiding Karnataka’s human capital strategy:
- Karnataka Kaushalya Sampada – The Skill Handbook (2026 Edition): A comprehensive manual outlining vocational frameworks, training modules, and statewide skill resources.
- Karnataka Talent Landscape 2026: An analytical report detailing regional talent distribution, sector-wise demand patterns, and emerging skill needs across the state.
- Karnataka’s Workforce Blueprint 2030 (Second Edition): A strategic roadmap outlining actionable policies to align academic curricula with future market expectations, technological integration, and sustainable job creation.
Alongside these report launches, the state announced new institutional partnerships with industry leaders and international delegates to expand apprenticeships, establish specialized centers of excellence, and launch global mobility corridors for skilled Karnataka youth.
Global Dignitaries and High-Profile Attendance
The inauguration saw high-level participation across government departments, international consulates, and corporate leadership:
- Government Ministers Present:
- Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil (Medical Education & SDEL)
- Dr. M. B. Patil (Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development)
- Shri Priyank Kharge (Home, IT & BT, and E-Governance)
- Shri Basavaraja Rayareddy (Higher Education)
- Shri Rizwan Arshad (Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs)
- Government & Skill Development Leaders:
- Smt. Shivakantamma (Kanta) Naik (Chairperson, KSDC & KVT&SDC)
- Shri Subroto Bagchi (Chairman, Vision Group for Skill Development)
- Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, IAS (R) (Chairman, KSDA)
- Shri Subodh Yadav, IAS (Principal Secretary, SDEL)
- Smt. Vasireddi Vijaya Jyothsna, IAS (Mission Director, NLM)
- Smt. Shilpa M, IAS (Commissioner, Dept. of Industrial Training & Employment)
- Dr. Ravi M. Tirlapur, KAS (Managing Director, KSDC & KVT&SDC)
- Vision Group Members: Mr. Parthasarathi, Mr. Sharan Patil, and Mr. Madan Padaki
- Industry Leaders:
- Shri Guruprasad Mudlapur (President, Bosch Group India & MD, Bosch Ltd)
- Shri Rangesh Raghavan (Corporate VP & MD, Lam Research India)
- Rev. Fr. Victor Lobo (Vice Chancellor, St. Joseph’s University)
- Diplomatic Corps & Country Representatives:
- 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)
Celebrating International Excellence: WorldSkills 2026 Felicitations
The inaugural event also showcased a special felicitation ceremony honoring Karnataka’s youth delegation for their outstanding performance at the 48th WorldSkills Competition 2026 in Shanghai, China.
The state contingent secured a Silver Medal and the prestigious Best of Nation Award in the Bakery category, alongside eight Medallions for Excellence in cutting-edge domains:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Electrical Installations
- Industry 4.0
- Mechatronics
- Robot Systems Integration
This international recognition underscores Karnataka’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class technical talent.
Event Program and Next Steps
The summit features dynamic leadership panels, technical masterclasses, an interactive Skill Expo, and direct networking sessions connecting young job seekers with potential employers.
The proceedings of Day 1 concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ravi M. Tirlapur, KAS, followed by an executive networking dinner.
The Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 continues through 5 November 2026 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.
For further details, session schedules, and live updates, visit the official summit portal at www.bengaluruskillsummit.com.
