Bengaluru 2040 LIVE Highlights | Summit comes to an end with fresh ideas envisaging Bengaluru's future to ensure city does not 'survive' but 'thrives'

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | The roadmap for ‘India’s Silicon Valley’

Deccan Herald’s prestigious 'Bengaluru 2040 Summit' brings together some of India’s most influential policymakers, corporate titans, entrepreneurs, activists, and artists to plan a roadmap for ‘India’s Silicon Valley’.

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | Tackling cybercrime in India's Silicon valley

Cybercrime is an unintended consequence of the digital age. It transcends geographic boundaries and exploits lacunae in networks, posing big challenges to the police. The challenges are aplenty on the detection, investigation and conviction front.

Our eminent speakers will share their views on How we can utilise technology to help tackle cybercrime in future? Welcome to the fourth edition of DH Bengaluru 2040 summit!

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | Redefining work and workplaces in AI era

Technological advancements are redefining work and workplaces — and how! Remote work, or work from home, which until recently were terms alien, are today mainstays of many organisations.

Bengaluru, with its deep roots in tech, will bear witness to the changes in work and workplaces.

Our eminent speakers will discuss about what we can do to prepare for this AI era? How can Bengaluru be the city where work is redefined, and workplaces are built for a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient tomorrow?

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | Mental wellness for a future-ready metro

Stress is a major health challenge we face in this century. Growing urbanisation contributes to increased stress, a high-risk factor for psychiatric ailments such as depression, anxiety and even schizophrenia.

Our eminent panelists will try to  understand more about stress-protective factors for city inhabitants that might help us plan appropriate public health strategies.

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | Cleaning up Bengaluru for the future

Bengaluru generates over 6,000 tonnes of solid waste everyday. The Government of Karnataka came up with an Urban Solid Waste Management Policy in 2020. Yet, the city continues to grapple with the mounting piles of solid waste.

Our eminent panelists will share their thoughts on how can Bengaluru achieve sustainable development goals in waste management.

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | Building Bengaluru: Governance, Urban Planning and the Role of Real Estate Developers

With Bengaluru constantly in expansion mode, space is at a premium. Can vertical growth ensure that more people are accommodated in smaller spaces? How will the city’s planners and the government tackle issues like traffic, water supply, density and other issues if skyscrapers are the future?

Our eminent speakers will share their thoughts on what challenges does the city foresee in 2040 in terms of urban planning, governance, and future development?

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | We will begin the conclave with the welcome address by Mr KV Subramanya, Executive Editor of Deccan Herald at 10am.

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | It will be followed by the keynote address by Chetan Maini, Co-founder & Chairman, Sun Mobility

Bengaluru 2040 Summit | Supercharging Arts & Entertainment in Bengaluru

In a fireside chat, actor-producer and former member of Parliament Ramya will share her insights on supercharging Arts & Entertainment in Bengaluru. Welcome to the fourth edition DH Bengaluru 2040 Summit.

Brainstorming for Bengaluru: Fourth edition of DH summit today

The fourth edition of the DH Bengaluru 2040 Summit will bring together influential thought leaders to shape a bold and resilient future for Bengaluru.

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Bengaluru 2040: Fourth edition of Summit begins

Executive Editor-in-Chief of Deccan Herald K V Subramanya highlights challenges awaiting Bengaluru in the years to come, as the fourth edition of the Summit begins.

Bengaluru leading revolution on EV adoption in India

EV adoption is three times higher in Bengaluru than the national average says, SUN Mobility co-founder Chetan Maini.

EV adoption, renewable energy can slash India's oil import bill

Electrification of transportation can have large benefits for India's import bills, says SUN Mobility co-founder Chetan Maini.

AI will play a large role in optimising infrastructure in the city

SUN Mobility co-founder Chetan Maini described digital energy grids as the way to go in the shift to renewable energy, adding that AI would play a large role in optimising such infrastructure.

AI can create a 'digital twin' of Bengaluru, enabling simulation of future scenarios

Beyond the realm of transport and infra, AI can be used to a create a 'digital twin' of Bengaluru, allowing for simulation of large-scale or more contained scenarios in the city, thereby allowing for fine-tuned planning and the ability to respond to changing circumstances, said SUN Mobility chairman Chetan Maini.

Bengaluru is a living energy and mobility lab

Highlighting technology adoption in Bengaluru, SUN Mobility co-founder Chetan Maini said Bengaluru is a living energy and mobility lab that is leading the country when it comes to sustainable living solutions.

Bengaluru has always been a city that leads, says SUN Mobility co-founder

Having been leaders in aerospace and IT, Bengaluru can now look to lead India in expertise in AI, clean mobility, and sustainability as we look to the future, said Chetan Maini.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah addresses Summit via video

The world has shown confidence in Bengaluru, says Karnataka CM

The Karnataka CM reiterated his commitment to Bengaluru's future, calling for the transformation of vision into action to shape the future for India's Silicon Valley.

The CM went on to call for harmony between technological progress and the city's proud cultural heritage.

Highlighting investments coming into Karnataka and Bengaluru, the CM emphasized that investments showcased the world's confidence in Bengaluru.

Discussion begins on 'Redefining work and workplaces in the AI era'

The panel has Team Lease Vice-Chairman Manish Sabharwal, MLA Sharath Bachegowda, and Torry Harris Integration Solutions' chief HR officer Aparna C, moderated by Deccan Herald's Opinion Editor, Viju Cherian.

AI won't displace jobs, it'll transform them, says Karnataka MLA Sharath Bachegowda

Posing a question on whether AI is capable of writing future masterpieces, MLA Sharath Bachegowda said that the jury is still out on AI's ability in the creative sphere.

He, however, added that should AI become a creative force in the years to come, it would have massive implications on the job sector.

Bachegowda went on to say that in today's world, data is king, and nothing matches AI when it comes to data crunching. If used properly, this can improve government efficiency and policy-making.

AI use fine, but human element still required in recruitment, says Aparna C

Biases still remain in AI, says Aparna C, explaining you can't completely rely on AI in recruitment and the necessity of the human element still remiains.

Empathy is something that only humans can bring, she adds.

Let's have open architechture at the regulatory level, tech level with regard to AI, says Manish Sabharwal

Speaking about DeepSeek and how it challenged the burgeoning AI monopoly being established by American tech companies, Sabharwal explained that open architecture with regard to AI would enable innovation, allowing India to catch up.

Informed decisions important, but sharing data depends on the individual: Manish Sabharwal

Mr Sabharwal opined that if it helps someone in their lives or careers to share their personal data, they are welcome to do so. Let us not let the Ayatollahs of privacy direct our lives, he said.

Childhood should be for enjoying, but there can be an option where children are taught about tech from a young age: Aparna C

It is unfair that a child in a village is not getting the opportunity to access AI like a city student can: Sharath Bachegowda

The legislator believes that exposure to tech should be provided to all children.

Technology is a huge enabler for those less fortunate: Manish Sabharwal

Karnataka can weave the push for renewable energy with AI, with Bengaluru at the forefront: Sharath Bachegowda

Discussion on 'Mental wellness for a future-ready metro' begins

The speakers include six-time MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao, Medical Director of Manasa Neuropsychiatric Hospital Dr H S Aditya, founder of Families Alliance on Mental Illness Dr Nirmala Srinivasan, Vice President of CMR Group Dr Tristha Ramamurthy and life and leadership coach, Varundeep Sachi.

Parent education important for kids' mental health in a fast-changing world

Parent education has become increasingly important, says Dr Tristha Ramamurthy, as parents may find it difficult to relate with the issues faced by their children, who are growing up in fast-changing world, both technologically and societally.

Community has become a huge urban myth, family-centric mental health interventions needed

When there are emergencies, there's no community to be found: we are alone, says Dr Nirmala Srinivasan, calling for a shift from community-centric interventions to family-centric interventions.

Heading into the future, it's important to ask if Bengaluru can provide space for people with special needs

Dr Nirmala Srinivasan explained that the answer to this question would determine Bengaluru's character as a city that's liveable and mental health-friendly.

Expert advise essential despite wealth of information on mental health available on the internet: K'taka Health Minister: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Karnataka has had a psychiatric ambulance facility since 2008: Dr Nirmala Srinivasan lauds the state government's attitude towards mental health challenges

Panelists being felicitated by Mr. Chaitanya Netkalappa Director, The Printers Mysore

Credit: DH Photo

Panel on 'Building Bengaluru: Governance, Urban Planning and the Role of Real Estate Developers' begins

Speakers in the panel:

NA Haris, Chairman, BDA and MLA, Shantinagar

Abhishek Kapoor, Group CEO, Puravankara

Mallanna Sasalu, CEO, Provident Housing

Anjali Mohan, Urban Planner

We couldn't anticipate the speed of growth of Bengaluru, we have seen a lot of unplanned development, says Mallanna Sasalu, CEO, Provident Housing

Commitment of govt is clear for city's development but there are a lot of other factors involved, says NA Haris

Traffic is a problem every major city in the country is plagued with, not just Bengaluru: Haris

Traffic is a problem every major city in the country is plagued with, not just Bengaluru, says NA Haris. We are also open to inputs from anyone to ease the problems the city faces, he adds.

Puravankara CEO Abhishek Kapoor says sustainability is in demand especially in Bengaluru because all the companies that are here are global

All cities go through redevelopment: Question is, how do we regulate it, asks Anjali Mohan

Need for political, private will to make Bengaluru sustainable, well-being oriented by 2040

There is a need for political will and private will to realize the vision of a sustainable, well-being oriented Bengaluru by 2040, said Abhishek Kapoor, CEO of Puravankara.

Panel up next: How Bengaluru can retain its supremacy as start-up capital

Speakers: Priyank Kharge, Ankit Nagori, Balakrishna Adiga, Zerin Rahiman

Zerin Rahiman says there's been a slowdown in funding start-ups in Bengaluru compared to pre-COVID days

Rahiman says three or five years down the line, deep tech and such emerging technologies will start attracting better investments

Bengaluru's start-up ecoystem is what attracts investors: Priyank Kharge

The biggest R&D centres of Fortune 500 companies are in Bengaluru, the Karnataka Cabinet minster also said.

Ankit Nagori says investors/companies in other cities praise the start-up ecosystem in Bengaluru

We knew if our engineering has to be top notch, Bengaluru is the place to be, Nagori also said, adding that Bengaluru is miles ahead when it comes to talent compared to other Indian cities.

Balakrishna Adiga says Bengaluru can continue the momentum of leading India's startup sector, but there needs to be supported by government initiatives.

Adiga also said instances of racism against outsiders can serve as a deterrent for the best talents to come into Bengaluru. "Incubator spaces are very very rare," he added.

Issues of law and order is also a very important factor: Adiga

The problem of racism comes from both ends: Priyank Kharge

The problem comes when people mark their own territories, the minister says. "When I go to Whitefield, it sometimes feels like Gurgaon," he further added in a spirit of jest.

The minister opined that cases of racism come mostly from social media. He appealed to both sides to maintain restraint and empathise with each other. "We have AI, but a little common sense will also help," Kharge said.

I will give the right skillsets in such a way that the top jobs will automatically go to people from Karnataka: Priyank Kharge

Subsidies, incentives will be given for investments beyond Bengaluru: Priyank Kharge

Ankit Nagori says some founders are angel investors of 200 companies, that is how they give back to the city.

The 2020s have to be about deeper tech: Nagori

In the next 3-4 years, Bengaluru will have a larger role to play in India's technological progress. DeepSeek has given another belief to the entire ecosystem: Nagori

10 queries on ChatGPT consumes 1 litre of water: Priyank Kharge

Bengaluru has stopped playing the valuation game and is now concentrating on the value game: Kharge

Here we're trying to solve real-life problems and add value, government is also trying to create incubators across sectors: Kharge

Education backed with proper policies will be the game-changer: Priyank Kharge

Panelists being felicitated by Ms. Sowbaghyalakshmi K Tilak Director, The Printers Mysore

Panel up next: Cleaning up Bangalore for the future

Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, former Deputy Chief Minister, Karnataka and MLA, Malleshwaram | Preeti Gehlot, Special Commissioner, BBMP | Nalini Shekar, Co- founder, Hasiru Dala | Sudhira HS, Director, Gubbi Labs (Moderator)

Preeti Gehlot says idea behind BBMP's climate action plan was to give the city a roadmap for how to deal with climate hazard. Aim: zero emissions by 2070

She highlighted how the action plan has been divided into seven sectors and all documents, data, and meeting proceedings have been made available for the public.

Dr C N Ashwath Narayan says Bengaluru's waste management issue has not been solved yet

Priority is not being given to waste management despite it being a crucial issue, the ex-DyCM also said.

"While we are known as innovators and entreprenuers, waste management is something the city lacks. Maybe the BBMP is completely insulated, it needs to open up," Dr C N Ashwath Narayan further added.

I call on the state government and all of us to unitedly come forward and protect the name of Bengaluru: Dr Narayan

Nalini Shekar says participation of local people missing in waste disposal

Shekar says the strategies to invite and engage people crucial for waste management, especially the boxes that come when food is ordered on apps. Shekar spoke about the positive effect of Wash the Dabba campaign.

Scaling up can happed only through everyone's participation: Nalini Shekar

BBMP's policies are there, but their implementation needs to be more robust, Shekhar believes.

90% of waste not going to the landfills is a goal of the BBMP: Preeti Gehlot

Enforcement can go up, but everyone needs to participate: Gehlot.

BBMP is focussed on training more and more informal workers to help in solid waste management, she also said.

Dr C N Ashwath Narayan questions BBMP's slow pace in completing projects, says patience of commoners might run out.

Panelists being felicitated by Mr Chaitanya Netkalappa, Director, The Printers Mysore

Credit: DH Photo

Panel up next: Walking towards green mobility

Speakers: Tushar Giri Nath, Chief Commissioner, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike | Arun Pai, Founder, BangaloreWALKS | Nithya Ramesh, director, Jana Urban Space Foundation

Moderator: Anitha Pailoor, News Editor, Deccan Herald

Nithya Ramesh gives the example to show how over 40 years Copehagen managed to become the cycling capital of the world

Ramesh says travel times have doubled and tripled. 117 hours are lost by the average Bengalurean in traffic, she said

Tushar Giri Nath says aspirational attitude attached to cars, reduction of private vehicles might be a challenge

Unless a lot of provisions are made for alternate modes of transport, the government cannot tell people to reduce private cars on roads.

A footpath and a drain below are essential for a road network: Tushar Giri Nath

Arun Pai, Founder, BangaloreWALKS, says his group worked closely with the BBMP in order to improve Bengaluru's footpaths

He also spoke on how Tushar Giri Nath used his organisation's report to inform BBMP officials about issues with the city's footpaths.

Footpaths will be a crucial part of road development: Tushar Giri Nath

There has been minimal investments on major roads in Bengaluru: Giri Nath

When roads are made safe for women, they become safer for most of the vulnerable population: Nithya Ramesh

We need a concept called obstacle-free footpath: Arun Pai

He said that footpaths are not taken care of because the people who make the decisions don't walk on the streets.

Public transport will have to improve to such an extent that people are ashamed to own cars by 2040: Nithya Ramesh

Next up, panel on 'How many airports does Bengaluru need?'

Khushboo Goel Chowdhary, Managing Director, KSIIDC

MG Balakrishna, President, FKCCI

Captain GR Gopinath, Aviation Pioneer

Vivek Menon, Civic Activist & Serial Entrepreneur

Gautham Machaiah, Senior Journalist (Moderator)

Khushboo Goel Chowdhury says connectivity is an important aspect to choose location for airport.

Second airport is needed for growth of revenue of Bengaluru, tourism and many other factors, says MG Balakrishna

Captain GR Gopinath, Aviation Pioneer says we need more airlines and airports competing with each other to reduce private sector monopoly

More than 20% of your airfare goes to airports, says Captain Gopinath

Glittering marble at airport makes us feel good but air fare has to be reasonable as well: Gopinath

Shutting the HAL airport was a huge mistake: Captain Gopinath

Vivek Menon says technocrats missing from governments, planning is crucial before implementation; references Hebbal flyover choke-point as example

Captain Gopinath flags high pricing at international airports, says there's requirement for localised airports for domestic travel

HAL airport under AAI, after excusivity clause ends in 2033, there can be hope of it reopneing: Khushboo Goel Chowdhury

Panelists being felicitated by K V Subramanya Executive Editor, Deccan Herald

Chakraphonics enthrall the audience with their music

Next up, Presentation By EuroSchool Students

The teen dream: Bengaluru in 2040

Phase 1: vertical farming - no water, less space, local and fresh food, but needs a lot of energy

Phase 2: floatable takes: Sailing through sustainability - set up solar power beds across lakes - modify to ensure safety of marine life

Phase 3: waste management - change waste to resource, recycle metal waste

Next up: Panel - tackling cybercrime in India's silicon valley

Panelists: M A Saleem, Director General of Police, Criminal, Investigation Department (CID) Karnataka. | N A Vijayashankar, founder secretary of Cyber Society of India, Founder Trustee of International Institute of Information Technology Law, and Founder Chairman of Digital Society Foundation | Kapil Gupta, Vice President of Digital Risk Protection, External Attack Surface Management and Incident Response at Fortinet.

Moderator: Prajwal D’Souza, Journalist, Deccan Herald

M A Saleem speaks on how great a challenge digital scams are for law enforcement agencies

Cybercrimes are not geographically limited, the major challenge is when the culrpits sit outside the nation, Saleem said.

Assistance at the international level is a slow process, becomes a challenge in solving cases, he observed.

Digitally opening back accounts with fake credentials is a challenge to deal with, private companies don't always file cases: M A Saleem

N A Vijayashankar says privately controlled cryptocurrencies lead to more cybercrimes

Banks that open accounts of criminals with fake KYC should be held accountable: Vijayashankar

He said police also avoid filing cases against banks, and opined that they should be made party to such cases.

It takes around 200 days for a company to find out their data has been breached: Kapil Gupta

Darknet was originally used to exchange confidential information: Kapil Gupta

The first cybercrime division was set up in Bengaluru, M A Saleem reminds the summit

I-T Act drafted in 1998 and implemented in 2000 is good enough to be applied for cybercrimes like digital arrests: Vijayashankar

There is creativity involved in cybercrime, a framework needs to be put in place to make people more aware: Kapil Gupta

We have to figure out which aspects are target surfaces, and then ensure these aspects are protected, he added.

Gupta also insisted on zero trust to ensure only the right information is available to the right person.

Up next, PANEL - What Bengaluru can do to reclaim its concert scene

Panellists: Rizwan Arshad, A two-time MLA and a former MLC | Bruce Lee Mani, e founding member and front man of what is arguably India's most respected rock band - Thermal And A Quarter (TAAQ) | Om Pradutt, Founder and Managing Director of Phase 1 Events and Experiences

The sheer number of artists coming out of Bengaluru has exponentially increased in the past decade: Bruce Lee Mani

Mani speaks on the difficulties to maintain a sustainable living through music and the challenges of donning multiple hats in order to do so.

Om Pradutt says Bengaluru has been and will always continue to be the rock music capital of India

He further added that the government needs to create a space where music and entertainment can thrive, like it does for sports stadiums.

Bengaluru is an international city and we have to think internationally: Rizwan Arshad

Culture events create revenue, jobs; approach of the government towards such events will have to change, he added.

Bruce Lee Mani thinks younger people are coming to Bengaluru with their music because rent is still lower than Mumbai

He says an artist needs multiple things to survive in the city, and they need some support from the government. They serve as ambassadors of culture, he added.

Panellists being felicitated by Ms. Sowbaghyalakshmi K Tilak Director, The Printers Mysore

Next up, Fireside chat with Ramya, actor, producer and former MP | Moderator: MS R Ramakrishna, Associate Editor, Deccan Herald

Ramya says stories have not changed for a long time, and most Kannada movies end up tanking at the box office.

Ramya takes the example of Malayalam films, which are not limited to showing machoism in movies.

The actor/politician also said Kannada films are not being bought by OTT platforms unlike those from other regions

Ramya hails subsidies as a good initiative by the government to encourage filmmaking in Karnataka

Ramya agrees to moderator's suggestion that more initiatives should be taken by the government to encourage grassroots participation in the industry.

Speaking about her Tamil films, Ramya says movies made in Chennai are more rooted to local culture, unlike their Kannada counterparts.

The actor/politician says there should be designated places for busking, in reference to the Ed Sheeran episode at Bengaluru's Church Street.