Mangaluru: Technology conversations are moving beyond boardrooms and English presentations into a more familiar space, where artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing are discussed freely in Kannada. This is the idea driving Tech.harate, a growing community bringing Kannada-speaking technology professionals together to learn, connect, exchange ideas and explore opportunities.Led by Gaurav Kamath, co-founder and CEO of MicroDegree, the initiative was born from a simple observation: access to learning alone is not enough in a technology landscape that changes almost every day. “Professionals also need a community where they can learn from peers, share experiences, discuss emerging trends and discover new opportunities,” he said.Tech.Harate has already hosted eight meetups across Bengaluru and Mangaluru, with each gathering attracting more than 75 mid-level and senior-level technology professionals. Far from being conventional networking events, the meetups bring together technology leaders and CXOs for conversations on emerging technologies, alongside hands-on workshops, hiring clinics and networking sessions. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data and cybersecurity are among the subjects that find their way into these conversations, he said.“We wanted to create a space where Kannada-speaking technology professionals can have meaningful conversations about the technologies shaping the world, without language or geography becoming a barrier. The community is about learning from each other, building connections and creating opportunities together,” said Kamath.The initiative is also looking to expand the technology conversation beyond Karnataka’s capital. KDEM is the strategic partner, supporting the broader vision of strengthening the state’s technology ecosystem and creating opportunities beyond Bengaluru. Vertex is the venue partner in Mangaluru, providing its state-of-the-art auditorium for the community’s gatherings.The community is closely aligned with MicroDegree’s larger mission of making emerging technologies easier to understand and learn in Kannada. Its learning programmes cover areas such as cloud computing and generative AI, with the platform aiming to help professionals learn faster and with greater clarity, he said. MicroDegree has also been recognised through Startup Karnataka’s Elevate programme and backed by 100X.VC and Somaiya Vidyavihar University.At the Tech.Harate gatherings, Kannada is not merely the language of communication. Food, local traditions and culture are woven into the experience, creating an environment where professionals can discuss cutting-edge technology without feeling disconnected from their roots. The community to demonstrate that professionals can engage with the latest developments in AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, while speaking the language they are most comfortable with. In that sense, the ‘harate’, an informal, free-flowing conversation, becomes as important as the technology itself, said Kamath.
