Punjab's Startup Revolution: Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Launches Startup Conclave 2026

PHAGWARA:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday inaugurated Punjab’s first Startup Punjab Conclave at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Kapurthala, marking a significant step towards positioning entrepreneurship and innovation as the backbone of the state’s future economic growth. Organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab, the conclave emerged as a flagship platform to showcase the state’s fast-evolving startup ecosystem and to reaffirm the government’s commitment to nurturing new business ideas.

Addressing entrepreneurs, students and industry leaders, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s future lies in entrepreneurship and not in job hunting. He underlined that the government’s clear objective is to transform the youth from job seekers into job creators. “We want our youth to become job givers. Punjabis are natural innovators and born entrepreneurs. With the right environment and support, they can create global success stories,” he said, unveiling “Update and Create” as the new mantra for youth-led growth and innovation in the state.

More than 100 startups participated in the conclave, alongside incubators, investors, academic institutions and support organisations, sending a strong signal of Punjab’s growing innovation ecosystem. Seed grants and incentives were distributed to startups, with seven ventures receiving ₹3 lakh each as seed funding and one startup receiving ₹1.20 lakh as lease rental assistance. Over 15 incubators and more than five support organisations showcased their initiatives, reflecting the expanding institutional framework backing entrepreneurship in Punjab.

The Chief Minister said the state government is fully committed to giving wings to the dreams of young entrepreneurs and assured that no viable idea would go unsupported. “There is no shortage of funds for innovation. The government will help every genuine business idea. Startups are not just businesses; they are engines of job creation and economic growth,” he said.

Sharing experiences from his recent visit to Japan, Mann said nations progress with clarity of vision and a culture of discipline and hard work. He urged Punjab’s youth to adopt a forward-looking mindset and a strong work ethic, stating that success is built on perseverance and innovation. He added that the government’s efforts are guided by a moral responsibility towards securing a better future for coming generations.

Taking a dig at previous regimes, the Chief Minister said earlier governments discouraged success by fostering fear and exploitation. “Now, a government of the common people is in place, giving every citizen a fair chance to succeed,” he said, asserting that the current administration stands firmly with honest entrepreneurs.

Mann said the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022 has created a transparent and robust framework for business growth, while Startup Punjab is working continuously to build a culture of innovation, with special focus on women-led startups and first-generation entrepreneurs. He said startups working in sectors such as agriculture, health, education and administration are being actively encouraged to solve ground-level challenges.

Inviting students and young innovators to join the state’s Business Blasters Campaign, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s youth are rich in ideas but often lack the right platform. Quoting former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he said true dreams demand action and perseverance, not just imagination. He urged youngsters to move beyond fleeting fame and become guiding lights for society through meaningful work.

Highlighting global Punjabi success stories, Mann said the CEO of Mastercard and founders of companies like Swiggy and Zomato are Punjabis, proving the immense potential of the state’s talent pool. “The Punjab government is acting as a runway where dreams can take flight,” he said, calling upon investors and industry leaders to trust Punjab’s youth and partner in strengthening the state’s economy.

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Earlier, officials said the Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 brought together startups, incubators, investors, industry associations and policymakers on a single platform. The event featured presentations on the Startup Punjab ecosystem, cheque disbursal to seed-funded startups, and the unveiling of startup-related initiatives linked to the Invest Punjab Summit. Panel discussions were held on strengthening incubator support systems, building scalable startups, and emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, deep tech and cybersecurity. The conclave concluded with recognition of incubators, enablers and nodal agencies, reinforcing Punjab’s vision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.