From pioneering tech clusters to shaping national policy, B.V. Naidu’s three-decade journey earns one of India’s highest electronics honours, celebrating his enduring legacy.
Mr B.V. Naidu, Chairman of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), has been awarded the IESA Sarabhai Award 2025–26, one of India’s highest recognitions in the electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.
The honour was conferred on 26 February 2026 at the IESA Vision Summit. Organised by the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association in Bengaluru, acknowledging his three decades of leadership in shaping India’s Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
The award, named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, father of India’s space programme, celebrates people whose institution-building vision and long-term impact have elevated India’s standing in the global semiconductor value chain.
According to IESA, Naidu’s career has encompassed innovation, technology deployment, policy formulation, skill development and the creation of emerging technology clusters, all contributing to the ESDM ecosystem.
Accepting the award, Naidu credited the collective efforts of innovators, entrepreneurs and policymakers in advancing Karnataka’s technology leadership. I remain committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers, and institutions that will define India’s digital future,” he said.
Industry leaders highlighted his role in driving transformation. Ashok Chandak, President and CEO of IESA, described Naidu as an architect of India’s digital journey, noting, “From strengthening institutional frameworks to fostering deeper industry-government collaboration, his work has helped create a stronger foundation for design-led innovation and manufacturing growth in the country.”
Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of KDEM, praised his mentorship and strategic clarity, which have guided initiatives beyond Bengaluru aimed at strengthening regional technology clusters.
Naidu has led initiatives to establish market intelligence frameworks, centralised analytics functions, robotic process automation teams, AI-enabled pricing systems and an Asia Quote Center, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.
He holds a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology.
The Sarabhai Award adds to Naidu’s distinguished record of honours, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the TiE Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, the NASSCOM Pioneer Persons Award, and the STPI Commendation Award.
