ABOUT KDEM

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is a Section 8 organisation designed to function as the knowledge bridge between the Government of Karnataka and the industry ecosystem to accelerate the development of the state’s IT, BT, and S&T sectors. Endeavouring to contribute US$300 billion to the prime minister’s vision of a US$1 trillion digital economy, KDEM plays a critical role in supporting technology investments, uncovering technology opportunities through research, structuring promotional efforts abroad, providing feedback on policy, and forming strategic roadmaps. The organisation’s ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ imitative seeks to maximise the economic potential of emerging cities/regions outside the state capital by enabling their organic growth and inviting investments for start-ups/enterprises.

As a result, over 25 companies, including IBM and GlowTouch, have begun functioning in the Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi clusters, generating employment for more than 5,000 people. Additionally, in measures to create about 10,000 start-ups by 2030, KDEM is working on augmenting the start-up ecosystem in the existing and planned clusters through the ‘Beyond Bengaluru Startup Grid’. The project facilitates access for upcoming start-ups with mentor groups across broad areas like HR, legal, R&D, accounting, and marketing/branding, with more than 300 start-ups already a part of the grid. KDEM, in association with industry partners, is also setting up funds of INR 75 crore for the three clusters to invest in promising tech-based start-ups.

KDEM is enabling future digital jobs across artificial intelligence and cyber security in Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, and Belagavi, with 2,000+ opportunities. It is also spearheading innovation by implementing various specialised Centres of Excellence.

KDEM regularly brings together the industry ecosystem through numerous large-scale events, connecting thousands of delegates and prominent speakers. Highlights of these discussions include the signing of multiple MoUs, expressions of interest in start-up investments, and over 500 business meetings. The ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ Investor Connect events specifically have successfully leveraged opportunities in cyber security, ESDM, and AI/VR for Mysuru, fintech for Mangaluru, and agritech, edtech, and Industry 4.0 for Hubballi.

KDEM, spearheading investment promotion in the State’s technology industry, to create 40 Unicorns and 50 Soonicorns and target having 150 VC investors with corpus of USD 100 Bn.

Mr. Sanjeev Gupta
CEO, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission
Karnataka to attract at least 100 mid-sized Global Capability Centers (GCCS) to establish their operations in Karnataka in locations other than Bengaluru.

Lalith Ahuja
Founder & CEO, ANSR

KDEM’s objective is to increase Startups’ contribution to about 5% of the State’s GDP.

Prashanth Prakash
Partner, Accel
KDEM to bring innovation to emerging cities of Karnataka through Innovation Authority.
Ravi Gururaj
Founder & CEO, QikPod
To encourage MNCs, GCCs and Startups to contribute to innovation-driven products and services while laying emphasis on social development.
Assocham

our OBJECTIVES


Support Karnataka's technological investments


Assist the Department of
IT/BT/S&T


Aid in the organisation of international promotional operations


Aid in positioning Karnataka well with technology-sector-specific investment reports


Fund and coordinate research
to identify
technological prospects


Give input to governmental bodies on the policy measures that will be required to draw further investment


Serve as a liaison
between the government
and industry


Create a detailed Vision Document
that includes strategy and roadmap directions


To develop Brand Karnataka and strengthen our leadership position across all sectors

board of directors

Mr. BV Naidu

Nominee Director

Mr. Prashanth Prakash

Nominee Director

Dr. S Selvakumar, IAS

Nominee Director

Smt. Uma Mahadevan

Nominee Director

Mr. Deepak Sood

Nominee Director

Mr. Bhaskar Kumar Verma

Nominee Director

Mr. L K Atheeq, IAS

Nominee Director

Mr. Darshan H V, IAS

Nominee Director

Dr. Ekroop Caur

Nominee Director

Mr. Ashok Chandak

Nominee Director

I S N Prasad

Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Finance Department

Meena Nagaraj, IAS

Managing Director
KBITS

Executive team

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta

Chief Executive Officer

Amar L Momaya

Manager Beyond Bengaluru
Hubli Cluster

Chetan J Dixit

General Manager
Strategic initiatives

Gaurav K Punjabi

General Manager
Events & Marketing

Cdr Mahima Marin (Retd)

General Manager
Administration

Siddhartha Anand

Vice President
Startup & Innovation

Vivek Saxena

Senior Advisor
ESDM

Sudheer K S

General Manager - Beyond Bengaluru
Mysuru Cluster

Shilpa V Rao

Executive &
Admin Manager

Sudheer Hullemane

IT Advisor

Sumathi Sarangapani

Assistant Manager
Administration

Mukesh

BB

Avinash

IT GCC

Arjun Chaithanya

TA

Tarun

RA

Jystostna

BB

Nikhil

RA

Arjun Guptha

TA

KDEM to bring innovation to emerging cities of Karnataka through Innovation Authority.

Ravi Gururaj
Founder & CEO, QikPod

KDEM to bring innovation to emerging cities of Karnataka through Innovation Authority.
Ravi Gururaj
Founder & CEO, QikPod

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KEONICS, 27th Main Rd,
1st Sector, HSR Layout,
Bengaluru – 560102, Karnataka

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Connect with us

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KEONICS, 27th Main Rd,
1st Sector, HSR Layout,
Bengaluru – 560102, Karnataka

Copyright © 2025 Karnataka Digital Economy Mission

Developed By InsideOut

BV Naidu

Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission

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Mr. BV Naidu has 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, coach, and enabler of Indian IT growth. He had played a pivotal role for the growth of the IT Industry of India in his capacity as Director of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). Mr. Naidu has helped to increase software exports from less than $8 million with 13 firms in 1991 to $12.0 billion with over 1800 enterprises in Bangalore by 2007. In addition to StartupXseed, he is an IC member of KITVEN Fund. He is one of India’s most powerful leaders.
He has formed and/or led various organisations and policy groups to catalyse the expansion of industry in India, including IESA, Vision Group, Invest Karnataka, Karnataka Knowledge Commission, Karnataka ICT group, and many more.

Prashanth Prakash

Partner, Accel Partners
Advisor to Chief Minister of Karnataka Chairman, Startup Vision Group

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Prashanth started investing in Indian technological start-ups in 2004, long before they gained international recognition. He began his career in investment as a co-founder of Erasmic, one of India’s earliest early-stage funds. Prior to that, he established two businesses in the Internet and multimedia publishing sectors.
Prashanth works on consumer Internet services, online marketplaces, and SaaS as a key member of Accel’s India team. He has led investments in firms such as Agrostar, BlueStone, BookMyShow, Clevertap, FabHotels, Glowroad, HolidayMe, HomeLane, InfraMarket, PropTiger, QwikCilver (bought by Pine Labs), Rentomojo, TeaBox, and others.

Dr. S Selvakumar, IAS

Secretary, Skill Development Department

Dr. S Selvakumar works for the Government of Karnataka as the Secretary, Skill Development Department. He formerly worked as a Director in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Deepak Sood

Secretary General
ASSOCHAM

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ASSOCHAM’s Secretary General is Deepak (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India)
Deepak was the CEO of India’s largest business fair organisation, which owns and administers The Auto Expo, Excon, and IRRE, to mention a few. Lead in certain areas such as public and private relations in order to increase business for industry. Assist in the worldwide organisation of business meetings and product presentations.

More recently, he led the CII FMCG, Branding, and Marketing practise. He was also the CEO of Invest Karnataka Forum, the official investor facilitation business established by the Karnataka government to assist and guide entrepreneurs through the whole investment experience.

Bhaskar Kumar Verma

Regional Head,
Karnataka NASSCOM

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Bhaskar is Regional Head of Karnataka at NASSCOM. In this position, he focuses Driving various NASSCOM Forums and Initiatives for Global Capability Centers (GCC’s), IT Services, BPM and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He comes with a strong leadership and strategic planning experience.
Prior to this position he has held varied Leadership positions in the IT Industry. He has worked for organisations like Accenture, Capgemini, Ikea etc.. focussing in Nordics and European region. Bhaskar has written number of articles on current skill and Talent trends. Bhaskar has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and MBA in Marketing.

L K Atheeq

Additional Chief Secretary - Finance

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A seasoned public policy and development professional, with over 32 years of experience in India’s public sector, particularly in the state of Karnataka. Roles have spanned from District CEO, District Magistrate, Director of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation, to State Project Director of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. Also, represented India on the World Bank Group’s Board. Currently holding the position of ACS Finance. Passionate about education and health policy.

Darshan H V, IAS

MD KITS

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Mr. Darshan H.V, an IAS officer, currently serves as the Director of Electronics, IT/BT, and the Managing Director of the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society within the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T for the Government of Karnataka.

I S N Prasad

Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Finance Department

I.S.N. Prasad, is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) – 1986 batch – Karnataka Cadre. He is an engineering graduate in Civil Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi, and has also a Masters degree in Development Management from Asian Institute of Management, Manila, Philippines.
He has held roles as Assistant Commissioner, Kumta (Uttar Kanara District), Deputy Secretary, Finance Department, Govt of Karnataka, Bangalore, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Dharwad, Joint Commissioner, Excise Department, Bangalore,  Deputy Commissioner, Chikmagalur District, Director, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Special Commissioner, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, Bangalore among others

Meena Nagaraj, IAS

Managing Director,
KBITS

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I.S.N. Prasad is a Karnataka Cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1986 batch. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Delhi College of Engineering in Delhi, as well as a Masters degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management in Manila, Philippines.
She has previously served as Assistant Commissioner, Kumta (Uttar Kanara District), Deputy Secretary, Finance Department, Govt of Karnataka, Bangalore, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Dharwad, Joint Commissioner, Excise Department, Bangalore, Deputy Commissioner, Chikmagalur District, Director, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Special Commissioner, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, Bangalore, and Special Commissioner, Bangalore.

Sanjeev Gupta

CEO, KDEM

Linkedin

Sanjeev is CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), initiative of Government of Karnataka (GoK) and is also the MD & CEO of Lahari, Mysuru ESDM (Electronics Systems Design and Manufacturing) Cluster, promoted by Government of India, GoK and Indian Industry. KDEM’s objective is to accelerate the growth and investments of the IT, ESDM and S&T sectors in Karnataka with a focus on the core verticals viz., IT Products & Services, BPM and GCC Promotion, Innovation & Start-ups, ESDM, Beyond Bengaluru and Talent Accelerator. He has a mission to provide digital economic growth yearly across the state. With a vast experience of over 25 years with Government, Corporate and Not for profit organizations, he is very well recognized business leader in the Indian Industry.

He has led and transformed large organizations during his career- like setting up SSS cadre, National health program (NRHM & RCH Ph 1), Policy think tank – NHSRC and informatics and running new tech in areas of education, social development, cyber security and others. Starting his career as Asst. Professor with University of Delhi, he later joined Gol as a bureaucrat (1998 ISS topper) and served for over a decade. He served as senior executive in lBM and transformed its leadership in Indian Business. He was MD of Accenture handling India & South Asia business covering consulting, technology, operations and digital for Health and Public Service. He also served as the Country General Manager of Microsoft India for the growth of the India public sector business.
He is on the various Boards, Panel Advisor, Governing Council Member of various government and private organisations.

Amar L Momaya

Manager - BB, Hubli Cluster

Linkedin

Mr Amar. M. Momaya works as a Cluster Head of Beyond Bengaluru at Karnataka Digital Economic Mission. He is engaged in endeavours to further enable the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region of Hubballi/ Dharwad/ Belagavi in Karnataka under Beyond Bengaluru initiative of the KDEM.

Chetan J Dixit

GM- Strategic initiatives

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Mr Chetan Dixit works as a General Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission.

Gaurav K Punjabi

GM-Events & Marketing

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Mr Gaurav K Punjabi is a GM in Events & Marketing for the Karnataka Digital Economic Mission. His key skills include: Funding, Matchmaking, Talent Management, Start-up Consulting, Emerging Markets, Marketing Strategy, Event Management.

Supporting strategic policy interventions like creating a dynamic ecosystem with sharp focus on infrastructure development, increasing the talent availability and enhancing market access has been a key focus for our Government. Government of Karnataka has established the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) to bridge the gap between industry and government and to enhance tech ecosystem in the State. KDEM envisions to harness the unlimited potential of the digital economy of Karnataka by focussing on IT Products and services, BPM and GCC Promotion, Innovation & Startups, ESDM, programs like Beyond Bengaluru, and Talent Accelerator.

Cdr Mahima Marin (Retd)

General Manager - Administration

Linkedin

Ms Mahima Marin is the General Manager at Karnataka Digital Economic Mission. She is an experienced manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Indian Navy. Skilled in Learning and Development, Start-up Ventures, Hospitality, Team Building, Managing and auditing Funds, Event and Program Coordination and employee relations. Strong professional with a PGDPM & HR degree, focused in Human Resources Management/Personnel Management from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies.

Siddhartha Anand

VP-Startups & Innovation

Linkedin
Mr Siddhartha Anand works on the inclusive and sustainable growth agenda with companies which view India as a potential market. He engages with multinational businesses helping them to design business strategies, and business models and evaluate opportunities to leverage the India advantage. Siddhartha’s interests include public policy, stakeholder management and program management.

Currently, Mr Siddhartha Anand works as a VP for Startup & Innovation Vertical at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission.
Siddhartha is Post Graduate in the Business Leadership Program at the School of Inspired Leadership. He earned a bachelor’s degree first class in Instrumentation & Control Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology

Core Skills: Stakeholder Management, Key Account Management, Channel Development, Project Management and Go-to-Market Strategy Sectors: Renewable Energy, Aviation, Construction Equipment and Infrastructure.

Vivek Saxena

Senior Advisor-ESDM

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Vivek Saxena works as a Senior Advisor of the ESDM vertical at Karnataka Digital Economic Mission (KDEM).
A Business Management professional with vast exposure to Semiconductor, Electronics Systems Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) / IoT Industry and a passionate Startup ecosystem enabler. Helped startups, SMEs and MNCs to get funded though VCs / Angels, scaleup and develop their Business Plans and GTM Strategies pertaining to SaaS, VLSI, Embedded Systems, IoT Solutions from various verticals.
He commands exceptional skills in managing P&L, Revenue Growth, Business Management, Relationship Management, Investors Connections, Sales, Marketing, New Business Development, Exploring new markets, Implementing GTM Strategy, New Product Launch, Brand positioning, Large teams in India, Far-East, Europe and USA through his impecabble Industry Network.
His objective is to make Global Markets available to deserving Technology based Small and Medium Enterprises / Startups from / to India and share his vast knowledge about the chosen markets. He has mastered art of setting up systems and processes for the startups to become funding ready, revenue success and customer acquisition in India and in the global markets and funds through trusted partners.
Vivek actively participates in the Industry matters through IESA, ELCINA, NASSCOM, IPC, IET, IEEE, TiE, CII, IACC and various bodies / committees at state Government and Central Government level.
He maintains high quality business relationship at CXO levels in IoT, Semiconductors, Telecom, Networking, Defence, Aerospace, Medical, Sports and Power Electronics Industry verticals.

Sudheer K S

General Manager - BB Mysuru Cluster

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Mr Sudheer K S works as a General Manager of the Beyond Bengaluru Vertical of the Karnataka Digital Economic Mission.

Shilpa V Rao

Executive & Admin Manger

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Shilpa V Rao is working as an Executive & Admin Manger at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Sudheer Hullemane

IT Advisor

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Mr Sudheer Hullemane is working as an IT Advisor at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM). He is currently working with multiple non-Profit organizations in the area of Education, and skills, in both Rural and Urban settings.

Sumathi Sarangapani

Assistant Manager-Administration

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Ms Sumathi Sarangapani works as an Administrative Manager at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

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