SME Connect: A Transformative Step Towards Industry 4.0 and Inclusive Growth Beyond Bengaluru
Bengaluru: 2025 In the lead-up to Invest Karnataka 2025 – Global Investors Meet (GIM 2025), the Government of Karnataka has been actively driving initiatives beyond Bengaluru to strengthen its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. As part of these efforts, SME Connect’25 has emerged as a strategic enabler, empowering more than 2,000 SMEs across 10 districts through targeted training and capacity-building programs in Industry 4.0 adoption, digital transformation, and market access.
The flagship investment event, Invest Karnataka 2025, is set to position the state as a leading global investment hub. Scheduled from February 12 to February 14, with a grand inauguration on February 11, the event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors. Under the theme “Reimagining Growth,” this year’s edition will explore sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and technology-driven pathways to economic progress.
The SME Connect initiative underscores Karnataka’s vision of making GIM 2025 more than just an investment numbers event, focusing on long-term industrial resilience and vendor development. This initiative aligns with the government’s future-proof industrial strategy, ensuring that SMEs are equipped to integrate with evolving global supply chains and emerging technologies.
Ahead of GIM 2025, the Government of Karnataka has implemented several SME-focused programs aimed at technology upskilling, financial enablement, and business matchmaking, ensuring industrial development beyond Bengaluru. The impact milestones include: 2,000+ SMEs trained in Industry 4.0 applications such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing.
100 SMEs selected for digital transformation implementation with practical interventions.
SME Connect Portal launched to leverage AI-powered business matchmaking, linking SMEs with buyers, investors, and supply chain partners.
8+ e-commerce onboarding workshops, enabling 100 SMEs to expand sales via Flipkart and Amazon.
Dedicated SME stalls at GIM 2025, providing SMEs a global platform to showcase their products.
Financial enablement sessions, bridging SMEs with banks and financial institutions for growth capital.
SME Awards recognizing top performers, women entrepreneurs, and empowerment-led businesses.
The SME Connect Portal, a key enabler under SME Connect’25, is designed to enhance vendor development and supply chain integration.
The AI-driven business matchmaking platform is will help in connecting SMEs with potential buyers and investors, significantly reducing barriers to business growth.
Karnataka’s collaboration with K-Tech and NASSCOM has ensured that SMEs receive hands-on Industry 4.0 training, equipping them with tools to digitize operations, improve efficiency, and enhance market competitiveness. Additionally, strategic partnerships with e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon have provided SMEs with new revenue streams and export potential.
Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development & Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka, stated: “The Global Investors Meet 2025 is not just about attracting investments it is about enabling our SMEs and developing a robust vendor ecosystem. With SME Connect, we have already empowered over 2,000 SMEs in emerging digital technologies and supply chain readiness, ensuring they are ready to capitalize on new opportunities. Karnataka is committed to inclusive growth, and our efforts beyond Bengaluru will shape the state’s industrial future.”
At Invest Karnataka 2025, SMEs will gain access to exclusive buyer-seller meetings, industry expert discussions, and networking sessions. The initiative ensures long-term economic inclusion, making Karnataka a preferred industrial destination for SMEs and global investors alike.