Bengaluru emerges as Asia’s No. 2 hub for AI innovation

Bengaluru: Bengaluru has emerged as one of the world's leading centres for artificial intelligence innovation, securing the second position in Asia and a place among the top 10 global cities for performance and research, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026, the Karnataka government announced.

The city is ranked 15th in the global startup ecosystem index and is estimated to have an ecosystem value of USD 152.8 billion. The findings were released by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission in collaboration with Startup Genome during the VivaTech conference in Paris.

Karnataka continues to dominate India's AI startup landscape, attracting nearly 58 per cent of the country's total funding in the sector. Bengaluru, in particular, has strengthened its position as a major destination for AI-focused startups and investment.

Among Asian cities, only Beijing ranks ahead of Bengaluru in the development of artificial intelligence-driven startups. Between 2021 and 2025, the city attracted USD 39 billion in venture funding, underscoring its growing influence in the global technology ecosystem.

The report also highlights Bengaluru's rapid rise in research and innovation. After being ranked among the world's top 30 cities for research excellence in 2025, the city has now entered the global top 10, driven by advances in patent generation and research output.

The Karnataka government said the latest rankings reflect Bengaluru's transformation from a traditional startup hub into a globally recognised centre for deep-tech development and artificial intelligence innovation. The report positions the city among the world's most influential technology ecosystems, with continued growth in investment, research and startup activity strengthening its international standing.