In preparation for the upcoming Global Investor Meet 2025 (GIM), the Government of Karnataka, along with the Department of Commerce and Industries, has selected 48 innovative start-ups specializing in Electronics Systems Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), Automotive and Electric Vehicles (EV), and Aerospace and Defence (A&D).
These chosen start-ups will each receive a prize of $300,000, in addition to the chance to interact with investors, including venture capitalists, private equity firms, and prospective customers.
The selected start-ups were identified through the ‘VentuRISE’ startup challenge, scheduled to take place during GIM 2025 from February 11 to 14. This initiative has drawn interest from prominent companies such as Epsilon Carbon, BOSCH, Gold Plus, Lam Research, and Toyota.
In the 2024-25 edition of the challenge, around 1,000 applications were submitted, a decrease compared to the 1,200 applications received during its inaugural run in 2022.
The goal of the Global Investor Meet is to attract significant investments and create jobs, as highlighted by M.B. Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries (excluding Sugar). Patil has actively engaged with potential investors through roadshows and meetings across countries including the US, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and various European nations.
The event will showcase advancements in fields such as electronics, healthcare, space technology, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, it will feature designated country pavilions and networking opportunities for global investors.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stated that the state government aims to finalize Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹10 lakh crore in investments and unveil a new five-year industrial policy for 2025-2030 during the event.