Karnataka IT Minister pushes AI skilling at Bengaluru office launch

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge underscored the need for continuous upskilling among IT professionals during the inauguration of RSM US Integrated Services India’s new Bengaluru office. He highlighted AI-driven shifts in job roles and introduced Nipuna Karnataka, an industry-led skilling initiative designed to align training with employability outcomes.

Tarun Mottlia

Editor, Lazyfounder

Published Oct 30, 20262 min read

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge inaugurated RSM US Integrated Services India’s new Bengaluru office on October 28, emphasizing the need for IT professionals to continuously upskill due to AI-driven changes in job roles.
Kharge highlighted Karnataka’s talent pool, including Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), as a global hub for IT talent, with around 800,000 professionals working along a 9-km stretch.
Nipuna Karnataka, an industry-led skilling initiative, was introduced as a model for aligning training with employability outcomes, with government support tied to job placement.
AI adoption is creating uncertainty in future job roles, making adaptability and continuous learning critical for IT professionals.

AI-driven skilling for IT professionals

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge stressed the need for IT professionals to continuously upgrade their skills in response to AI-driven changes in job requirements. Speaking at the inauguration of RSM US Integrated Services India’s new office in Bengaluru’s Manyata Tech Park on October 28, Kharge noted that AI is reshaping industries at an unpredictable pace, making adaptability and lifelong learning essential for career sustainability.

Kharge pointed to the uncertainty surrounding future job roles, stating that professionals must focus on building relevant capabilities rather than relying on static expertise. He described continuous learning as a critical factor in staying relevant amid these shifts.

Karnataka’s talent pool and global competitiveness

Kharge highlighted Karnataka’s talent pool as a key advantage for attracting global businesses and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He cited Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), where approximately 800,000 professionals work along a 9-km stretch, as one of the world’s most densely concentrated talent hubs.

To maintain this competitive edge, Kharge emphasized the importance of aligning skilling initiatives with industry needs. He introduced Nipuna Karnataka, an industry-led program that integrates training with employability outcomes. Under the initiative, government support for eligible training costs is directly linked to job placement and employment success.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Kharge’s remarks underscore a broader shift in the tech industry: AI is not just automating tasks but reshaping entire job functions. For founders and operators, this signals a need to invest in upskilling teams—not just in technical skills but in adaptability. Karnataka’s Nipuna initiative, which ties government funding to employability outcomes, could serve as a template for other states or companies designing their own training programs. The focus on industry-academia collaboration also suggests an opportunity for startups to partner with local institutions to bridge skill gaps, particularly in emerging tech domains.

More business news

Sources

YourStory · 2026-10-28
‘Keep learning, keep adapting’: Priyank Kharge tells IT professionals to stay ahead of AI

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