Karnataka’s minister for Home, Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Priyank Kharge, asked electric‑vehicle companies to help create a roadmap for the state’s mobility ecosystem ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026.
Roundtable convened
Kharge hosted a roundtable with representatives from Exponent Energy, Ultraviolette, Simple Energy, Sun Mobility, Moonrider, Multiplex EV and other manufacturers, technology firms and startups. The meeting aimed to capture industry priorities and identify collaboration points.
Key focus areas identified
Participants discussed industry‑led research, advanced testing and certification labs, specialised skilling programmes, incubation support and manufacturing infrastructure. Kharge said government assistance must reflect the actual needs of firms across the EV value chain.
Call for a consolidated plan
The minister urged companies to pool common priorities and submit a single roadmap. The document would guide decisions on infrastructure investment and policy measures.
Talent development proposal
Kharge highlighted a shortage of skilled personnel in battery technology, embedded systems, firmware, power electronics, diagnostics, manufacturing and after‑sales service. He proposed an industry‑backed training model where firms help design curricula, certify graduates and offer jobs, aligning education with employer requirements.
Manufacturing incentives highlighted
The discussion also covered Karnataka’s existing policy incentives for manufacturing and engineering R&D. Kharge encouraged firms to leverage these incentives to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.
Where the initiative stands
The roundtable concluded with a commitment from participating companies to draft a joint roadmap for submission to the state government. The roadmap will inform future support measures as Karnataka seeks to expand its EV sector.
Why it matters: The roadmap could shape Karnataka’s role in India’s electric‑vehicle market, influencing job creation, local manufacturing and technology development that are critical for the region’s economic diversification.