Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- B.C.’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth strengthened partnerships in Karnataka, India’s Silicon Valley, to advance collaboration in life sciences, technology and innovation
- Roundtables with B.C. and Indian companies identified opportunities for trade and investment
- Promotion of Web Summit Vancouver 2026 positioned B.C. as a global tech hub
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As part of Premier David Eby’s trade mission to strategic regions in India, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, advanced key partnerships with government and business leaders in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India’s largest innovation centre, to attract investment, foster collaboration in innovation and build long-term relationships.
These partnerships will help B.C.’s technology and life-sciences sectors pursue joint opportunities that leverage B.C.’s research excellence and Karnataka’s deep pools of engineering talent, entrepreneurship and global scale. In Bengaluru, a letter of intent (LOI) was signed between the Province and the state government of Karnataka. The LOI expresses mutual interest to collaborate in life sciences, biotechnology, medical technology, medical devices and digital health.
“B.C.’s technology and life sciences businesses are second to none, and in the face of U.S. tariffs, we are strengthening our economy by deepening trade and investment relationships with diverse, reliable partners,” Kahlon said. “Bengaluru is the tech capital of India. Its rapid growth and innovation ecosystem make it an important partner for B.C.’s emerging sectors. These relationships create new opportunities for collaboration, investment and shared success.”
India’s scale, talent pool and fast-growing technology sector create major opportunities for joint innovation that complements B.C.’s world-class strengths in life sciences and technology. Together, B.C. and Karnataka offer highly compatible innovation ecosystems that can accelerate growth for both regions.
“Global collaboration drives commercial success in life sciences,” said Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO, Life Sciences BC. “Strengthening trade and investment ties with high-growth markets like India, one of the world's largest economies, is critical to accelerating innovation, scaling our companies internationally and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of Canada's life-sciences sector."
Government-to-government collaboration
In Bengaluru, Kahlon met with Sri. Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, chairman of Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) and Honourable Member of Legislative Assembly of Karnataka. Discussions focused on expanding economic collaboration between B.C. and Karnataka’s life sciences, technology and innovation ecosystems.
Positioning B.C. as a global tech hub
Kahlon held roundtables with B.C. companies doing business in India, including Telus Digital Services, Lululemon, EarthDaily Analytics and Yactraq Online, to discuss accomplishments, opportunities and challenges to operating in India, and potential supports from the Province.
Kahlon held a roundtable with Indian technology companies to position B.C. as a global hub for innovation and technology, and to promote Web Summit Vancouver 2026 as a gateway for international collaboration.
The discussion further strengthened ties with India’s fast-growing technology sectors, and showcased B.C.’s strengths in academic-industry leadership, government support programs and innovation ecosystems.
After meeting with officials in Bengaluru, it was agreed to share research and collaboration between Bengaluru and B.C. companies, and foster relationships and investments between Bengaluru and B.C. In addition, a delegation from Bengaluru agreed to explore travelling to Web Summit Vancouver 2026.
This work supports the Province’s Look West industrial and economic plan, and aligns with B.C.’s trade diversification strategy, which focuses on delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, life sciences, aerospace, marine, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum, agriculture and construction innovation.
Quick Facts:
- B.C. is home to a thriving innovation ecosystem, including more than 12,000 tech companies and leadership in AI, quantum computing and clean technology.
- Information technology is B.C.’s top investment sector in India.
- Leading B.C. companies, such as Telus, Lululemon and Pani Energy, operate in Bengaluru, creating more than 1,400 high-paying jobs.
- B.C. currently has four trade and investment offices in India, attached to Canadian missions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chandigarh.
Learn More:
- To read Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
- For more about B.C.’s trade diversification strategy, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/international-investment-and-trade/trade-diversification-strategy - For more about trade and investment in B.C., visit: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/for-bc-businesses/
A backgrounder follows.
