Bengaluru: The pandemic has shown that the future is not a linear extension of the past, and much of the future will depend on digital growth, said Kris Gopalakrishnan, chairman of the Karnataka Vision Group on Information Technology. The group is spearheading the three-day Bengaluru Tech Summit that begins on November 17. The theme for the 24th edition of the event is “Driving the Next,” highlighting the role of digital and technological innovations which drove and supported growth of multiple sectors in the post-pandemic world. “India is today creating solutions for 7 billion people in the world, not just the 1.3 billion that live in the country. Our role is becoming bigger than ever,” Gopalakrishnan said. The event will include multitrack conferences, an international exhibition, and a focus on global innovation alliances, and startups. There will also be an India USA Tech Conclave. The event is expected to see participation from more than 30 countries, 5,000 startup attendees, and more than 300 exhibitors. “We have curated sessions that will highlight the most recent technological and scientific advancements in the field of biotech like mRNA technologies in conceiving vaccines. Gene-editing takes centre stage in crop regeneration, and cell therapy drives new areas in therapeutics,” said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon chief and chairperson of the Karnataka Vision Group on Biotechnology.