Bengaluru: From critical infrastructure to businesses and public institutions, Karnataka’s expanding digital footprint is bringing cybersecurity to the centre of its economic agenda. Seeking to position its vast startup and technology ecosystem for a deeper role in the global cybersecurity landscape, Karnataka is looking to Israel for expertise in fostering innovation, developing specialised talent and forging technology partnerships.As part of Karnataka’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), the Karnataka-Israel Cyber Dialogue was held in Bengaluru on Wednesday in collaboration with the Consulate General and Trade Mission of Israel in South India and the Centre for Cybersecurity Karnataka (CySeCK).Held under the theme ‘Stronger Together. Secure Tomorrow’, the dialogue featured discussions, technology demonstrations and business-to-business meetings involving Karnataka-based startups and companies. It brought together 10 Israeli cybersecurity companies, industry experts and policymakers, with the focus shifting from knowledge-sharing to identifying opportunities for practical technology and business partnerships.Sources in the IT and BT department told TOI that the discussions centred on four key areas — innovation and startups, industry partnerships, talent and skills, and policy and trust — with an emphasis on strengthening the resilience of critical digital infrastructure, businesses and public institutions in Karnataka.N Manjula, secretary, department of electronics, IT and BT, said Karnataka was well positioned to pursue international cybersecurity partnerships given its strong technology ecosystem, skilled workforce, startups, research institutions and specialised cybersecurity capabilities.“Cybersecurity is no longer exclusively a technology issue. It is an economic imperative, a governance priority and a fundamental requirement for building trust in the digital future,” she said, while highlighting the Karnataka Cyber Security Policy 2024, which focuses on awareness, skill development, research and innovation, startup growth and stronger collaboration between government, industry and academia.Orli Weitzman, Consul General of Israel to South India, said Karnataka and Israel had complementary strengths, with Israel bringing cybersecurity expertise and an entrepreneurial culture, while Karnataka offered technology talent, research capabilities and a thriving startup ecosystem.The participation of the 10 Israeli cybersecurity companies also provided Karnataka-based startups and firms an opportunity to directly explore technology collaborations and potential business partnerships.The recommendations emerging from the dialogue will be consolidated into a white paper, according to IT and BT department officials. The document is expected to contribute to future policy considerations and efforts to strengthen Karnataka’s cybersecurity ecosystem.The state govt said the engagement is aimed at building a long-term Karnataka-Israel partnership focused on stronger cyber defences, cybersecurity innovation and greater digital resilience.
