As Karnataka continues its journey toward digital transformation in agriculture, the upcoming TiE Global Summit 2024 (TGS24) is set to play a pivotal role in this evolution. Scheduled to take place from December 9-11 in Bengaluru and December 12 in Mysuru, TGS24 aims to foster collaboration among agritech startups, traditional agricultural enterprises, and various stakeholders, including government bodies and financial institutions. Madan Padaki, Chair of TGS24 and President of TiE Bangalore, is leading efforts to bridge the gap between innovative technology and conventional farming practices, promoting sustainable agricultural methods that enhance productivity.
In an interview with ET Online, Padaki highlighted the importance of creating dynamic platforms for dialogue and knowledge exchange. TiE Bangalore, in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, The World Bank, and The Agri Collaboratory (TAC), is working to provide agritech startups with access to mentorship, pilot projects, and funding networks. These initiatives are designed to help scale innovations that can address pressing challenges in the agricultural sector, including productivity, financial inclusion, and climate resilience. The summit will serve as a gathering point for global stakeholders to outline a five-year roadmap that positions Karnataka as a leader in digital agriculture, setting a model for other regions in India and beyond.
A key aspect of the summit will be the establishment of a Digital Agri Centre of Excellence (CoE), envisioned as a hub for innovation in agritech, agrifintech, and climatetech. Padaki emphasized that this centre will facilitate partnerships among startups, industry leaders, academic institutions, and government bodies, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The CoE aims to address critical challenges in agriculture by integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, ultimately driving transformation in the sector.
During TGS24, a dedicated track on ‘Agri Abundance’ will showcase successful examples of digital agriculture, such as the integrated model developed by Akshayakalpa. By highlighting these success stories, the summit seeks to inspire further innovation and encourage startups to explore new avenues for financial inclusion and sustainability in agriculture. The insights gathered from discussions at the summit are expected to influence policy frameworks that support agritech growth in Karnataka, addressing key challenges faced by smallholder farmers and enhancing their resilience through digital solutions.
Looking ahead, TiE Bangalore aims to expand its community significantly, targeting over 5,000 members in Bengaluru and establishing additional specialized chapters across Karnataka. The organization plans to leverage the momentum from TGS24 to forge strategic partnerships and initiatives that will sustain collaboration among key stakeholders. Moreover, TiE Bangalore is focusing on engaging young entrepreneurs through targeted programs and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation of innovators is well-equipped to contribute to the agritech landscape.
The TiE Global Summit 2024 is not just an event; it represents a concerted effort to drive meaningful change in Karnataka’s agricultural sector. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, the summit aims to create a resilient agricultural ecosystem that can serve as a blueprint for the future of farming in India.
