CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11 — The 11th edition of TiECON Chandigarh 2026 opened on Friday with a strong focus on “Indigenous Innovation, Global Impact,” featuring major policy announcements and funding commitments for the North Indian startup sector. Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh stated that India’s 1.20 lakh recognized startups have successfully generated over 12 lakh jobs, with Haryana emerging as a significant contributor to this national growth.
During the summit, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that the state is transitioning toward an innovation-led economy by establishing two specialized AI centres. These facilities are intended to modernize the state’s digital governance and provide infrastructure for local entrepreneurs. The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is continuously simplifying procedures to promote the ease of doing business, particularly for the 50% of Haryana-based startups that are currently led by women.
The conference also served as a platform for venture capital and mentorship. “It is rare you get a chance to pick up someone so talented and so young,” remarked investors during the startup-focused sessions, which included the distribution of ₹7.5 crore in funding for firms such as Gamma Opengig Work and Dreamaerospace Technologies. The sessions also explored the intersection of business and culture, featuring insights from industry leaders like Saurabh Munjal of Lahori Zeera and popular figures from the Punjabi film industry.
Authorities noted that the expansion of the IT ecosystem in Gurugram, Panchkula, and Faridabad has created a ripple effect benefiting neighboring states. The Governor maintained that the state’s “red carpet” policy for investors has replaced traditional bureaucratic hurdles, securing record exports of ₹2.75 lakh crore. As the two-day event continues, organizers declared that the synergy between policymakers and founders remains the primary driver of the region’s economic resilience.
