Chandigarh, Jan 12: Punjab’s inaugural Startup Conclave 2026 kicked off in Phagwara today with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann calling for a shift in the state’s economic mindset toward self-employment and industrial innovation. The state-level platform brought together investors, academic experts, and policymakers to foster a collaborative environment for new-age businesses.
The conclave featured thematic panel discussions on artificial intelligence, deep tech, and cybersecurity. A significant part of the proceedings involved the formal recognition of incubators and the unveiling of startup collateral linked to the upcoming Invest Punjab Summit.
“There is no dearth of funds and the government will help every single idea mooted by business leaders,” the Chief Minister noted. He mentioned that the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022 was specifically designed to provide a transparent framework for first-generation entrepreneurs and women-led ventures.
Highlighting the importance of persistence, Mann quoted Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, stating that true dreams demand action. He encouraged students to explore bold concepts under the state’s Business Blasters Campaign, which aims to provide recognition to unique student-led projects.
“The foundation of the state’s progress will now move forward on the path of innovation,” Mann directly said. He noted that the government has a moral duty to secure the future of coming generations by encouraging startups that solve ground-level challenges in agriculture, health, and education.
The event concluded with the Chief Minister exhorting industry leaders to trust the talent of local youth. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora and several Members of Parliament attended the ceremony, which marked a major milestone in Punjab’s push to become a preferred destination for innovation-driven enterprises.
