about us
About Business Forum
A global platform connecting Karnataka’s business leaders with the Kannada community across the United States and Canada.
Innovate
Explore innovative ideas driving business growth, technology, and industry excellence.
Connect
Build valuable relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and professionals.
Collaborate
Vission
Turn the Silver Jubilee’s cultural pride into economic momentum — positioning AKKA 2026 as the premier bridge connecting Karnataka’s industry and innovation with US capital, technology, and diaspora talent, and catalyzing real investment, partnerships, and opportunity between India and the United States.
About the Forum
Where Kannadiga's Build Global Connections
Objectives
1. Showcase Karnataka/India investment opportunities to US investors and the diaspora.
2. Open a US–India corridor across AI, emerging industries, and finance.
3. Connect startups to capital (Hack4Good → VC Pitch Event).
4. Enable high-visibility partnerships with dignitary participation.
5. Establish the Business Forum as a recurring AKKA flagship.
- Connecting meaningful partnerships across the global Kannada business network.
Award Categories
Business Leaders Honoured
Conference Delegates
Lakh
Global Kannadigas
Forum Impact
What This Forum Means
For AKKA
Transforms the Silver Jubilee into a lasting economic platform and strengthens AKKA’s role as a bridge between Karnataka and the United States.
For Attendees
Creates opportunities to engage with ministers, CEOs and business leaders through focused networking, collaboration and partnership discussions.
For Youth & Startups
Provides Hack4Good programmes, mentorship and a structured pathway to present innovative ideas to venture capital networks.
For Karnataka & India
Builds a credible US gateway for investment, diaspora capital, technology partnerships and international market access.
AKKA- Abgyor Business deligation & Awards
Proposed Speakers
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy
Physician & Former U.S. Surgeon General
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy is a distinguished physician and public-health leader who served two terms as the United States Surgeon General, from 2014–2017 and 2021–2025. His work has addressed public health, mental well-being, social connection and healthcare leadership. At the forum, he can bring a valuable global perspective on healthcare innovation, public policy and stronger collaboration between India and the United States.
- Healthcare, Public Policy & Global Leadership
Dr. M. B. Patil
Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka
Dr. M. B. Patil plays an important role in advancing Karnataka’s industrial development, infrastructure growth and investment ecosystem. His leadership focuses on strengthening ease of doing business, attracting global enterprises and creating new opportunities across manufacturing and emerging sectors. At the forum, he can offer valuable perspectives on Karnataka’s investment potential, economic development and international business partnerships.
- Finance, Investment & Karnataka’s Global Growth
About AKKA
Association of Kannada Kootas of America
Founded in 1998, the Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing Kannadigas across the United States and Canada together. It works to preserve and promote the Kannada language, culture, arts and heritage while building stronger connections within the global Kannada community.
- Representing more than 40 regional Kannada Kootas and hundreds of thousands of community members, AKKA connects families, professionals, artists, entrepreneurs and volunteers through cultural festivals, language programmes, youth initiatives, charitable activities and community events.
The prestigious AKKA World Kannada Conference serves as a global platform to celebrate Karnataka’s culture, achievements and growing international presence while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, networking and community development.
40+ Kannada Kootas
A strong network of regional Kannada organisations.
Culture & Heritage
Preserving Kannada traditions, language, arts and identity.
Global Community
Connecting Kannadigas across the United States, Canada and Karnataka.
Key People of AKKA - 2026
Our Leadership
Meet the Team
Experienced leaders bringing business, media, travel and community expertise to AKKA- Abgyor Business deligation & Awards 2026.
Gaurish Akki
Founder, ABgyor Ventures
Badiger Devendra
Co-Founder, ABgyor Ventures
A N Monica
Head, Marketing