Kabeer Biswas-led startup M eyes $9 Mn funding to scale AI home assistant platform

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June 19, 2026

Kabeer Biswas, founder of the now-defunct hyperlocal delivery startup Dunzo, is reportedly in advanced discussions to raise approximately $9 million for his new venture, M, an artificial intelligence-powered household assistant platform that aims to simplify everyday home management tasks.

The startup, which Biswas co-founded with former Dunzo executive Kartik Mishra, focuses on leveraging generative AI, voice interfaces, and workflow automation to help households manage routine decisions and tasks more efficiently. Through this approach, M seeks to create a seamless digital assistant capable of coordinating various aspects of daily household operations.

Currently, the company is conducting pilot operations across nearly 200 households in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar neighbourhood. The startup primarily targets affluent families with annual household incomes exceeding Rs 50 lakh. Reports suggest that the service could be priced at less than Rs 10,000 per month once it becomes commercially available.

The startup reflects a broader trend within the startup ecosystem, where entrepreneurs increasingly view artificial intelligence as a tool capable of transforming consumer services. Advances in generative AI, automation technologies, and conversational interfaces have encouraged founders to explore opportunities in household management, a category that has historically remained fragmented and operationally intensive.

However, industry observers continue to question whether consumers will consistently pay subscription fees for software that manages household activities such as grocery planning, service coordination, and routine decision-making. Additionally, many existing solutions still depend heavily on human involvement, raising concerns about long-term scalability, operational efficiency, and profitability.

The proposed funding round would extend a seed financing round that closed at $11 million in April. Upon completion, the startup’s total funding could reach approximately $20 million. Existing investors, including Peak XV Partners, Blume Ventures, and Cred, are expected to participate alongside new investors.

The earlier seed round reportedly valued M at around $32 million. Sources indicate that the extension round may take place at a modest premium to that valuation. Meanwhile, the company is preparing for a broader consumer launch, which could take place within the next three to four months.

M enters an emerging but highly competitive segment that includes startups such as Hulp, Crew, Pokus, Faff, Aviha, Robin Home, Khwaaish, Namak.io, Cookmate, and Ask Feedy. While several companies have entered the household automation and AI assistant space, none have yet achieved significant scale, underscoring the experimental nature of the category.

For Biswas, the venture marks a return to consumer technology after Dunzo’s decline. Investors backing M are betting that artificial intelligence can unlock a large consumer opportunity that previous technologies failed to address effectively. Nevertheless, the startup’s long-term success will depend on its ability to evolve into a scalable software platform rather than remain a labour-intensive service business.

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, startups like M are testing whether intelligent household assistants can become the next major consumer technology category. The coming months will likely determine whether Indian consumers embrace AI-powered home management solutions as an essential service or view them as a niche convenience offering.

Tulip Infratech to invest ₹1,100-Cr in luxury housing project in Gurugram

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June 18, 2026

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Real estate developer Tulip Infratech has announced plans to invest approximately ₹1,100 crore in the development of a new luxury residential project in Gurugram, strengthening its presence in one of the National Capital Region’s most sought-after housing markets.

The Gurugram-based company has partnered with a landowner to develop Tulip Melrose, a premium residential project spread across 7.5 acres on the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR). The project will feature more than 600 luxury apartments and is expected to be completed within the next four years.

Speaking to reporters, Tulip Infratech promoter Siddharth Jain said the planned investment of ₹1,100 crore excludes land acquisition costs. The project has already been launched for sale, with apartment prices starting at around ₹6 crore.

Highlighting the location’s potential, Parveen Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Tulip Infratech, said that SPR is witnessing rapid transformation and is emerging as one of NCR’s most significant luxury residential corridors.

According to Siddharth Jain, the development will comprise four residential towers rising to nearly 495 feet, making them among the tallest residential structures in the SPR region.

Commenting on market conditions, Jain noted that housing demand in Gurugram has moderated compared to the strong momentum witnessed in 2024. However, he added that Tulip Melrose has received encouraging interest from both end-users and investors, driven by its competitive pricing and premium offerings.

Tulip Infratech has delivered more than ten real estate projects in Gurugram to date. The company is currently developing Tulip Monsella, a luxury housing project with an estimated investment of ₹3,600 crore, and Tulip Crimson, another premium residential development involving an investment of approximately ₹1,200 crore.

L’Oréal acquires majority stake in Innovist to expand India beauty market presence

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June 18, 2026

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French beauty giant L’Oréal has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in personal care startup Innovist, strengthening its position in India’s rapidly expanding beauty and personal care market. The transaction marks another strategic move by the global cosmetics leader to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

Although the companies have not disclosed the financial details of the deal, previous media reports estimated that the transaction could value Innovist between $350 million and $450 million (approximately Rs 3,240 crore to Rs 4,170 crore).

Founded in 2019 by Rohit Chawla, Sifat Khurana, and Vimal Bhola, Innovist has built a portfolio of science-led personal care brands, including Bare Anatomy and Chemist at Play. The company distributes its products through direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels, e-commerce platforms, quick commerce networks, and offline retail outlets, enabling it to reach a wide consumer base across India.

Under the agreement, the founding team will continue to lead the business while retaining a minority stake in the company. Additionally, Innovist’s brands will become part of L’Oréal’s Consumer Products Division portfolio, further enhancing the global beauty company’s offerings in the Indian market.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the coming months, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Furthermore, L’Oréal has secured the right to acquire the remaining minority shareholding at a later stage.

Commenting on the acquisition, Nicolas Hieronimus, Chief Executive Officer of L’Oréal, said, “Our investment in this innovative Indian startup is a clear testament to our commitment to expanding L’Oréal’s footprint in India.”

The acquisition strengthens L’Oréal’s position in India while adding a portfolio of digital-first beauty and personal care brands that focus on science-backed skincare and haircare solutions tailored to Indian consumers. As consumer demand for specialised beauty, skincare, and haircare products continues to rise, the deal enables L’Oréal to capture a larger share of the premium personal care segment.

Over the years, Innovist has emerged as one of India’s prominent digital-first personal care companies. The startup competes with leading brands such as Honasa Consumer, Pilgrim, and Minimalist in the premium beauty and wellness category, where science-driven product development continues to attract strong consumer interest.

The transaction also reflects the ongoing consolidation trend within India’s D2C beauty and wellness sector. Large consumer goods companies have increasingly acquired fast-growing digital-first brands to strengthen their portfolios and accelerate growth.

Earlier this year, Hindustan Unilever Limited acquired the remaining 49% stake in Oziva for Rs 824 crore. During the same period, USV acquired a 79% stake in Wellbeing Nutrition, while Marico purchased a 60% stake in Cosmix at a valuation of Rs 375 crore. Other significant transactions in the sector include Marico’s acquisition of 4700BC, ITC’s acquisition of Yoga Bar, and Honasa Consumer’s acquisition of The Derma Co.

The consolidation wave gained further momentum last year when Hindustan Unilever Limited acquired Minimalist at a pre-money valuation of Rs 2,955 crore. If the Innovist acquisition closes at the higher end of the reported valuation range, the L’Oréal–Innovist deal could surpass the HUL–Minimalist transaction to become one of the largest acquisitions in India’s D2C beauty and personal care industry.

As global beauty companies intensify their focus on India, the acquisition highlights the growing importance of digital-first brands, science-backed product innovation, and omnichannel distribution strategies in shaping the future of the country’s beauty and personal care market.

Nykaa bets big on wellness to achieve $5 Bn GMV target by FY30

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June 18, 2026

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Nykaa bets big on wellness to achieve $5 Bn GMV target by FY30 — Falguni Nayar, Founder & CEO, Nykaa

Omnichannel beauty and fashion retailer Nykaa has set an ambitious target of achieving $5 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) across its businesses by fiscal 2030, underscoring its confidence in the long-term growth potential of India’s beauty, fashion, and wellness markets.

The Mumbai-based company announced the target during its annual investor day and highlighted its strong financial performance over the past three years. During this period, Nykaa successfully doubled both its GMV and revenue while continuing to maintain profitability, demonstrating the strength of its omnichannel business model and disciplined growth strategy.

Nykaa concluded FY26 with a GMV of approximately Rs 15,000 crore, equivalent to around $1.6 billion. The company now aims to significantly accelerate growth across its core beauty and fashion segments while also expanding into adjacent high-potential categories.

Commenting on the company’s growth roadmap, Falguni Nayar, founder and CEO of Nykaa, said, “Over the years, we have systematically expanded our addressable market, moving into adjacent categories and capturing a larger share of consumer spend. Wellness is the next major opportunity, and one we believe is a natural extension of our journey. As consumers increasingly embrace a more holistic approach to self-care, the convergence of beauty, wellness, and longevity is creating a large and attractive growth opportunity.”

Nykaa views the wellness segment as a strategic extension of its existing beauty and personal care ecosystem. As consumer preferences increasingly shift toward holistic health, self-care, preventive wellness, and longevity-focused lifestyles, the company plans to leverage its established customer base, brand partnerships, and digital capabilities to capture a larger share of this evolving market.

The company has consistently expanded its presence across multiple consumer categories, allowing it to increase customer engagement and drive higher spending across its platform. By entering adjacent segments and strengthening its omnichannel retail strategy, Nykaa has continued to broaden its addressable market while reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading beauty and lifestyle commerce platforms.

The $5 billion GMV target reflects Nykaa’s confidence in the growing demand for beauty, fashion, wellness, and personal care products in India. Moreover, the company expects rising disposable incomes, increasing digital adoption, premiumisation trends, and growing consumer interest in wellness solutions to create significant opportunities over the coming years.

As the lines between beauty, wellness, and longevity continue to blur, Nykaa aims to capitalise on this convergence by building a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of modern consumers. Through strategic category expansion, customer-centric innovation, and sustained profitability, the company seeks to drive its next phase of growth and strengthen its leadership position in India’s rapidly expanding consumer retail market.

Lemon Tree Hotels enters Sri Ganganagar with new hotel in Rajasthan

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June 18, 2026

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Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has expanded its presence in Rajasthan with the launch of Lemon Tree Hotel, Sri Ganganagar, marking the brand’s entry into the city and further strengthening its growing hospitality footprint across the state.

Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, manages the property. With this addition, the hotel chain now operates 23 properties across Rajasthan, reinforcing its focus on expanding in high-growth markets across India.

Situated in the northernmost region of Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar serves as one of the state’s most prosperous agricultural and commercial centers. The city, often referred to as the food basket of Rajasthan, benefits from extensive canal-irrigated farmland and a thriving agricultural economy. Moreover, its strategic location near the international border, well-planned infrastructure, and vibrant trade ecosystem continue to attract business travelers and commercial activity throughout the year.

The hotel also offers convenient access to several cultural, religious, and historical attractions, including Balaji Dham, Gauri Shankar Temple, Budha Johad Gurudwara, and the Hindu Malkot border. Additionally, the property is located approximately 8 kilometers from Sri Ganganagar Junction railway station and around 122 kilometers from Bathinda Airport, ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers.

Lemon Tree Hotel, Sri Ganganagar, features 68 well-appointed rooms and suites designed to provide guests with a comfortable and contemporary stay experience. The property offers the brand’s signature hospitality while catering to the evolving needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Guests can dine at Citrus Café, the hotel’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, or unwind at Slounge, the terrace bar. Furthermore, the property provides in-room dining services along with a range of recreational and wellness facilities, including a spa, swimming pool, and fully equipped fitness center.

The hotel also features versatile banquet halls, meeting rooms, and landscaped lawns designed to host corporate events, conferences, weddings, social gatherings, and extended-stay requirements. As a result, the property is well-positioned to serve a diverse customer base spanning business, government, and leisure segments.

Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, president of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, “Sri Ganganagar is one of Rajasthan’s most prosperous commercial and agricultural hubs, drawing a consistent influx of business and trade-related travel. With the launch of Lemon Tree Hotel, Sri Ganganagar, we are introducing our signature comfort, quality, and warm hospitality to a high-potential market that has historically been underserved by organized hospitality. This opening marks our 13th operational hotel in Rajasthan, with 10 additional hotels in the pipeline across the state, reflecting our commitment to expanding across high-potential Tier-II and Tier-III markets.”

The opening reflects Lemon Tree Hotels’ broader strategy of strengthening its presence in emerging business destinations and underserved hospitality markets. As economic activity continues to expand across Tier-II and Tier-III cities, the company aims to cater to rising demand for quality accommodation, business travel infrastructure, and organized hospitality services.

With modern accommodations, premium dining options, wellness facilities, and flexible event spaces, Lemon Tree Hotel, Sri Ganganagar is strategically positioned to support the region’s growing hospitality needs while contributing to the city’s tourism, business travel, and economic development landscape.

Petcare startup Vetic secures $40 Mn to expand clinics and veterinary services

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June 18, 2026

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Petcare startup Vetic secures $40 Mn to expand clinics and veterinary services — Gaurav Ajmera, Founder, Vetic

Petcare startup Vetic has secured $40 million in a funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP), with participation from existing investors Greenoaks Capital, Lachy Groom, and JSW Family Office. Bessemer Venture Partners also participated in several of the company’s previous funding rounds, further reinforcing investor confidence in Vetic’s growth strategy and long-term vision.

Vetic plans to use the newly raised capital to expand its clinic network and strengthen its veterinary workforce, enabling the company to double its current operating capacity. In addition, the startup intends to accelerate the nationwide rollout of its Vet at Home services within the next two quarters.

The company will also deepen its pet insurance and wellness plan offerings while investing heavily in technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the overall pet healthcare experience. Through these initiatives, Vetic aims to improve operational efficiency and deliver more accessible, connected, and personalised care for pet owners across India.

Founded in 2022 by Gaurav Ajmera, Vetic emerged from a deeply personal experience involving his cat Simba. Ajmera faced significant challenges in obtaining an accurate diagnosis for his pet, requiring 25 to 30 visits across multiple veterinarians. Consequently, he launched Vetic to address inefficiencies and fragmentation within the pet healthcare ecosystem.

Explaining the company’s mission, Ajmera said, “Vetic is building a connected system where consultations, clinics, medicines, diagnostics, insurance, recovery, and wellness all work together not just to improve efficiency but to help people care better for the pets they love.”

Today, Vetic operates a connected pet healthcare platform that integrates more than 65 clinics across 11 cities. The company also manages 15 round-the-clock emergency facilities while offering vet-at-home services, an e-pharmacy platform, and pet supplies through a unified ecosystem.

Furthermore, Vetic has built a network of over 250 veterinarians who provide professional pet healthcare services through its clinics. To strengthen customer engagement and accessibility, the company has expanded into home-based veterinary care, pet insurance solutions, and wellness programmes. Additionally, its e-pharmacy service now reaches more than 700 pincodes, while its quick commerce platform offers access to over 600 pet products.

The company currently serves more than 60,000 subscribed members, highlighting the growing demand for organised pet healthcare services in India. As pet ownership continues to rise across urban and semi-urban markets, integrated petcare platforms are attracting increasing attention from both consumers and investors.

The latest funding round underscores strong investor belief in Vetic’s business model and its position within India’s rapidly expanding pet healthcare and pet wellness market. By combining veterinary services, diagnostics, medicines, insurance, wellness solutions, and technology under one platform, Vetic aims to establish itself as a leading player in the country’s evolving petcare ecosystem.

Himalia Prime Assets acquires Our Native Village Eco Resort, enters Bengaluru hospitality market

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June 17, 2026

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Himalia Prime Assets has acquired Our Native Village, a nature-focused eco-resort located near Bengaluru’s Hesaraghatta grasslands, marking the company’s entry into the Bengaluru hospitality market and further strengthening its growing portfolio of hospitality and wellness assets.

The acquisition aligns with Himalia’s long-term strategy of building a diversified portfolio of sustainable hospitality destinations that combine wellness, luxury, and nature-based experiences. Moreover, the company expects the property’s strategic location near Central Bengaluru to unlock significant commercial opportunities and drive long-term value creation.

Himalia believes the acquisition will contribute meaningfully to revenue growth and operating margins within a short period. Additionally, the company expects the asset to generate strong investment yields and support robust EBITDA growth, reinforcing both the strategic and financial rationale behind the transaction.

Spread across 4.65 acres, Our Native Village Eco Resort currently features 24 keys across 3 acres of developed land. The property also includes an additional 1.65 acres earmarked for future expansion. Over the next two years, Himalia Prime Assets plans to invest at least ₹25 crore to upgrade the resort’s infrastructure, enhance guest experiences, and strengthen operational capabilities. As part of the expansion plan, the company aims to increase the resort’s inventory from 24 keys to 40 keys.

Furthermore, Himalia has partnered with Niraamaya Life, a luxury wellness hospitality brand, to manage the day-to-day operations of the resort and elevate its wellness-led offerings.

Commenting on the acquisition, Vamsi Sai, Chief Executive Officer, Himalia Prime Assets Private Limited, said, “We have always believed that the future of hospitality lies in experiences that bring people closer to nature and local culture and foster a sense of genuine wellbeing. Our Native Village Eco Resort embodies all these values, and its strong connection with nature and focus on enabling wellness, sustainability, and authentic guest experiences make it a natural fit within Himalia’s growing portfolio. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our expansion trajectory and reflects our vision of building nature-led destinations that can deliver long-term value while enriching the lives of guests, investors, and local communities alike. Going ahead, we see tremendous opportunity in and around Bengaluru and the wider South Indian market, where we shall continue to expand aggressively in the near future.”

With the addition of Our Native Village Eco Resort, Himalia’s hospitality portfolio now includes three resort properties. The company already operates a 31-key resort in Kovalam and a 27-key resort in Kumarakom, Kerala. As a result, Himalia continues to strengthen its presence in India’s rapidly growing hospitality and wellness tourism sectors.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand into several complementary lifestyle and real estate segments, including wellness resorts, branded residences, luxury farmhouses, plotted developments, and exclusive clubs. Himalia intends to develop and operationalise multiple projects across these categories over the next three to four years.

The acquisition also reinforces the company’s focus on wellness-centered, eco-friendly hospitality assets that deliver conscious luxury experiences. By combining comfort, sustainability, and a strong connection to nature, Himalia aims to cater to the rising demand for experiential travel, wellness tourism, and sustainable hospitality in India.

As the hospitality industry increasingly shifts toward wellness-driven and environmentally responsible experiences, Himalia Prime Assets continues to position itself as a key player in the premium hospitality and lifestyle sector through strategic acquisitions, targeted investments, and nature-led destination development.

Haircare startup Xtovia secures Rs 6.9-Cr to build India’s next science-led premium haircare brand

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June 17, 2026

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Haircare startup Xtovia secures Rs 6.9-Cr to build India’s next science-led premium haircare brand — Navneet Misra, co-founder, Xtovia

Xtovia, a science-led premium haircare startup, has raised Rs 6.9 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by V3 Ventures. Consumer Collective by Atrium and several angel investors also participated in the investment round, reinforcing investor confidence in India’s growing beauty and personal care market.

The startup plans to utilise the fresh capital to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio, expand its core leadership team, support the initial launch of the brand, and accelerate growth initiatives. Additionally, the company aims to increase investments in research-driven product innovation and consumer awareness.

Founded in 2025 by Navneet Misra, Xtovia is creating a new category of high-efficacy haircare products powered by proprietary technology and research-led product development. The premium haircare brand focuses on addressing structural hair damage through science-backed formulations that its team has conceived, researched, and developed entirely in India.

Highlighting the brand’s vision, Navneet Misra said, “When it comes to truly high-performance haircare, most serious innovations have traditionally come from imported brands. That led us to ask a larger question—why should breakthrough haircare innovation always come from outside India? Why should consumers automatically associate efficacy with global brands? With Xtovia, we wanted to build a science-first brand that could match global standards while being conceived, researched, and developed in India.”

The company differentiates itself through its proprietary TriLayerX Hair Tech, which it developed through years of in-house research and development. According to Xtovia, the technology combines three distinct mechanisms that strengthen the hair core, repair damaged cuticles, and restore the hair’s natural protective lipid layer. As a result, the company aims to deliver advanced hair repair solutions that address the root causes of hair damage rather than merely providing cosmetic benefits.

Commenting on the investment, Arjun Vaidya, Co-founder, V3 Ventures, said, “At V3 Ventures, we love backing founders who are building genuinely differentiated products in large consumer categories. Xtovia stood out for its deep R&D focus and science-first approach, which is unlike anything we have seen in the category. We believe its proprietary formulation has the potential to create a globally relevant brand, starting from India. Having known Navneet for some time, I am excited to support both him and Dr. Madhu as they build in a space that is ripe for disruption.”

The funding round arrives at a time when consumers increasingly seek premium haircare products, clean beauty solutions, and scientifically validated personal care offerings. Consequently, brands that combine innovation, research, and efficacy continue to attract strong investor interest across the beauty and wellness sector.

Moving forward, Xtovia plans to broaden its product portfolio, strengthen its workforce, and increase investments in brand-building initiatives. Furthermore, the company intends to focus on consumer education and awareness to highlight the benefits of science-backed haircare solutions. Through its proprietary technology, research-first approach, and commitment to innovation, Xtovia aims to establish itself as a leading player in India’s rapidly expanding premium haircare and beauty industry.

Meraki Sport & Entertainment and Headshot Media Launch GameOn Media Network

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June 17, 2026

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Meraki Sport & Entertainment and Headshot Media have announced the launch of GameOn Media Network, a new sports media ecosystem designed to connect with India’s growing community of sports fans beyond the action on the field.

Built around the belief that the future of sports in India extends beyond match-day moments, GameOn Media aims to create an integrated platform that brings together content, creators, storytelling, communities, commerce, fan engagement, and live experiences. The venture seeks to help leagues, franchises, brands, athletes, and sports properties build deeper and more meaningful relationships with modern sports audiences.

The new company combines the expertise of its two founding partners. Meraki Sport & Entertainment brings over a decade of experience working across Indian sports with strong relationships spanning leagues, teams, athletes, rights holders, and sports properties. Headshot Media contributes its expertise in content production, creator-led distribution, and performance marketing, having built and scaled digital businesses focused on media and culture.

Together, the two companies have established GameOn Media as an equally owned venture that aims to operate at the scale required to serve India’s rapidly evolving sports fandom.

GameOn Media will operate across six integrated verticals: Owned and Operated Content IPs, Digital and Social Media Services, Creator Representation, Distribution and Performance Marketing, Fan In-sighting, and On-Ground Fan Experiences. Through these offerings, the company aims to provide end-to-end solutions for brands and sports stakeholders while creating richer experiences for fans.

Speaking about the launch, Toshan Patil, Co-Founder, Meraki Sport & Entertainment, said, “Indian fandom is eclectic. It is loud, layered, deeply emotional, and lived every single day. From the moments of play to the conversations that carry on long after the result, sport is felt across every screen, every street, and every generation. GameOn is being built to bring fans closer to the sport they love.”

Kunal Chaudhary, Founder, Headshot Media, said, “GameOn is not an agency. We are not only a content shop, a creator network, or a media-buying outfit. We are a sports media ecosystem, a set of connected businesses designed to work as one. That distinction matters, because the fan does not experience sport in silos, and neither should the businesses that serve them.”

Akshal Choksi, Co-Founder, Headshot Media, said, “Everything we build at GameOn is in service of one outcome: bringing the fan closer to the sport they love. That means working hand-in-hand with athletes, leagues, brands, and rights holders using our content, creators, and capabilities to make the fan’s relationship with the game deeper, more personal, and more present in their daily life. When the fan is closer, every partner in the ecosystem wins.”

Advay Parasnis, Founding Team & AVP Content, Meraki Sport & Entertainment, said, “GameOn will operate across six connected verticals, which are: Owned and Operated Content IPs, Digital and Social Media Services, Creator Representation, Distribution and Performance Marketing, Fan In-sighting, and On-Ground Fan Experiences. Each one reaches the fan in a different way, and together they form a single, integrated engine. That breadth is what allows us to serve every kind of partner across the sports industry and to do it under one roof.”

Karnataka to Host Second Bengaluru Skill Summit to Advance Workforce 2030 Agenda

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June 17, 2026

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Flagship platform returns to align policy, industry, and education as demand for skilled talent accelerates.

Bengaluru, India — [17 June 2026]: Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL), Government of Karnataka, will convene the second Bengaluru Skill Summit from 3–5 November 2026 at the Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

The summit will bring together key stakeholders from across the skilling ecosystem, including ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, skilling aggregators, training & assessment bodies, sovereign skilling bodies, and multilateral organisations to advance the global skilling and employability agenda, with a sharper focus on building integrated, industry-aligned systems that can deliver employable talent at scale.

“The Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 marks an important step in Karnataka’s continued commitment to building a future-ready workforce. As industries evolve and global opportunities expand, our focus remains on creating a unified, high-quality skilling ecosystem that enables our youth to compete and succeed at a global level. We look forward to bringing together leaders from across sectors to shape the next phase of this journey,” said Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood, Government of Karnataka.

Hosted by the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), in collaboration with the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) as knowledge partner and managed by Trescon, the 2026 edition marks a shift from intent to execution, with a sharper focus on employability, industry integration, and scalable workforce development frameworks.

Shaping the Future of Workforce Framework for 2030

Held under the theme “Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy,” the summit will focus on three priorities: expanding access to skilling, strengthening institutional frameworks, and enabling deeper collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

The programme will address emerging workforce requirements across artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, deep tech, and green jobs, while also advancing conversations around inclusion, innovation, apprenticeship-led learning, and global workforce mobility. Discussions will further focus on strengthening industry-academia collaboration, expanding district-level skilling infrastructure, and aligning training frameworks with evolving employer requirements to improve workforce readiness and employability.

With industries increasingly demanding job-ready talent, the summit is expected to spotlight integrated and industry-led skilling models that combine vocational training, hands-on learning, upskilling, and re-skilling initiatives. Key discussions will also explore workforce preparedness for emerging technologies, international employment opportunities, and scalable frameworks that can support Karnataka’s ambition of becoming a global talent and skilling hub.

Built for Outcomes, Not Just Dialogue

The summit is expected to convene:

• 4,500+ participants

• 150+ speakers

• 100+ exhibitors

• 40+ media partners

Strengthening the Global Talent Economy

As global demand for skilled talent continues to rise, the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2026 is expected to support policy direction, enable institutional partnerships, and accelerate the development of a workforce that is competitive, mobile, and aligned with Karnataka’s long-term economic and trillion-dollar growth ambitions.

The summit will also highlight Karnataka’s efforts to build a unified skilling ecosystem by connecting government initiatives, training institutions, employers, and global industry stakeholders through outcome-driven workforce strategies.

Registration and partnership opportunities are now open. For more information, visit: www.bengaluruskillsummit.com.

For further enquiries, contact:

Imran Mushtaq | Senior PR & Media Executive | 7780902815 | imran@tresconglobal.com

About the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL), Government of Karnataka

The Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL) leads Karnataka’s workforce strategy, driving large-scale skilling, employability, and livelihood initiatives across the state. Through policy, partnerships, and targeted programmes, the department is focused on building a skilled talent pipeline aligned with industry demand and economic priorities.

About Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC)

Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC) is responsible for executing the state’s skilling programmes and enabling industry-aligned workforce development. It works closely with employers, training partners, and institutions to ensure skilling translates into measurable employment outcomes.

About Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA)

Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA) provides strategic oversight across the state’s skilling ecosystem, aligning policy, institutions, and industry requirements to build a cohesive and future-ready framework.

About Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) drives the growth of the state’s digital economy by enabling innovation, strengthening talent development, and supporting ecosystem partnerships.

About Trescon

Trescon is a global business catalyst and events firm that builds influential forums connecting governments, business leaders, investors, and innovators across FinTech, AI, sustainability, and emerging technologies. With a portfolio of flagship events like DATE, CARE, HODL, and the World FinTech Show, Trescon is known for catalysing bold ideas, strategic alliances, and real-world outcomes in high-growth markets.

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