Wipro to PeopleStrong: Employers reveal what’s actually slowing AI adoption

According to Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, Karnataka currently contributes between 38 and 40 per cent of India’s IT software exports and hosts more than 20,000 DPIIT-registered startups. The state is also home to: • More than 400 GCCs and Fortune 500 R&D centres • 54 unicorns • Nearly half of India’s AI and semiconductor talent • A planned $20 billion quantum economy initiative Gupta said the next challenge lies in building inclusive growth beyond Bengaluru.“Responsible innovation ultimately means ensuring technology solves real-world challenges,” he said.The state’s focus is now expanding towards regional talent pipelines, deep-tech acceleration and broader access to innovation infrastructure across emerging clusters.