Ascend Karnataka Kicks Off with a Bang – $2 Billion VC Roundtable
The summit opened with resounding energy as more than 35+ venture capitalists, representing a collective net worth of over $2 billion, came together to explore opportunities for investment and collaboration with Karnataka’s industries and diaspora-led ventures.
The gathering was addressed by Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), who emphasized Karnataka’s unique position as a hub for innovation, talent, and global partnerships.
Ascend Karnataka Brings ASEAN Startup Summit to India for the First Time
In a landmark announcement, Ascend Karnataka 2025 has paved the way for deeper cross-border collaboration by bringing the India ASEAN Startup Summit to Karnataka and India for the very first time.
“It was truly an honour to be part of Ascend Karnataka 2025, joining distinguished leaders in meaningful conversations on innovation and entrepreneurship under the leadership of Gopika Pillai and her esteemed team. Karnataka is clearly poised for its next phase of growth, with a vibrant ecosystem that creates opportunities extending far beyond the state’s borders.
Events like Ascend Karnataka are essential in building bridges, fostering collaboration, and unlocking the full potential of the Indian diaspora in driving India’s digital economy. I am delighted to share that Ascend Karnataka and the India ASEAN Startup Summit will collaborate to strengthen cross-border acceleration between India, Malaysia, and ASEAN nations. This joint announcement with Gopika Pillai, President of GDPIO and Ascend Karnataka, marks an important step forward in deepening regional innovation and entrepreneurial ties.”– Datin Malliga Subramaniam, Chairwoman, India ASEAN Startup Summit
A Milestone for Karnataka’s Global Future
With successful deliberations spanning aerospace, AI, clean energy, semiconductors, food processing, GCCs, and more, Ascend Karnataka 2025 has established itself as a landmark platform positioning the state as a global leader in innovation, collaboration, and diaspora-driven growth.
Chief Guest Address
The Chief Guest, Dr. Selvakumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka, lauded the efforts of GDPIO Bengaluru Chapter in bringing together diaspora, industry, and government on one platform. He highlighted how initiatives like Ascend Karnataka accelerate the state’s global positioning and create lasting value for both local industries and international investors.
A Vision Realized
Envisioned as a global platform to connect diaspora, industry, and government, Ascend Karnataka 2025 was organized by the Global Diaspora Forum for People of Indian Origin (GDPIO) Bengaluru Chapter, along with strategic partners such as The India Advantage (TIA) Summit.
The event featured the active participation of global diaspora, industry leaders, international trade bodies, and the Government of Karnataka. Delegations from Malaysia, the Netherlands, the UAE, Germany, and across Europe joined the summit, with diaspora leaders and investors engaging in meaningful dialogue on building Karnataka’s global future.
Leadership Speaks
Gopika Pillai, President, GDPIO Bengaluru Chapter, reflected: “Ascend Karnataka has shown that when diaspora, industry, and government come together, we can create pathways for sustainable growth, innovation, and global positioning. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for Karnataka.”
Rosh Alex, General Secretary, GDPIO Bengaluru Chapter, added “Our goal was to build bridges between the diaspora and Karnataka’s industries, and we are proud to have created a platform where real collaborations and investments are already taking shape.”
Preenand Premachandran, Head of the Business Council, emphasized: “Ascend Karnataka 2025 was not just a conference but a movement — bringing together venture capital, industry expertise, and diaspora leadership to redefine Karnataka’s role in the global economy.”
