Chandigarh, October 12, 2025: The Punjab Government on Sunday launched the ‘Punjab Startup App’ and ‘Entrepreneurship Mindset Course’, setting a new national benchmark in skill-based learning, providing opportunities to students.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the initiative at a state-level ceremony at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, calling it a turning point in Punjab’s journey toward economic self-reliance.
With this step, Punjab has become the first state in India to make entrepreneurship a mandatory subject in higher education, enabling students to “earn while they learn.” The initiative will directly link more than 8 lakh students from universities, colleges, ITIs, and polytechnics across the state through the Punjab Startup App.
Beginning with the 2025–26 academic session, the course will be rolled out in 20 universities, 320 ITIs, and 91 polytechnic colleges, covering around 1.5 lakh students in the first phase. By 2028–29, the government aims to expand it to 5 lakh students. Under the new model, students will be required to develop startup ideas and earn credits based on their business outcomes — integrating real-world experience with formal education.
The Punjab Startup App, available in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, offers round-the-clock AI support and mentorship from business experts. It serves as a one-stop platform to help students design, launch, and grow their ventures with tools for planning, marketing, and financial management. The government said this initiative would create a complete entrepreneurial ecosystem within the education system.
Calling it a “historic reform in higher education,” Arvind Kejriwal said the app would nurture young innovators and turn Punjab into the startup capital of India. “This model will give youth the confidence to create rather than wait for jobs. If every state adopts this, India will soon emerge as a global leader in innovation,” he said, adding that the state’s youth already have the drive and talent to compete with the world’s best.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the initiative as a “gift to the students of Punjab.” He said, “Our youth no longer have to depend on others for employment. With this app, they can build their own enterprises while still in college. The next big idea, like YouTube once was, can emerge from our classrooms.” Mann revealed that within just 15 days of the app’s pilot launch, more than 75,000 students registered, generating ₹25 lakh in business through their startups.
The Entrepreneurship Mindset Course will train students in leadership, risk-taking, market analysis, and financial literacy.
Officials said that every business idea — from a local store to a digital service — will receive guidance through the app’s expert network.
Education Minister Harjot Bains said the course will not only promote innovation but also change the purpose of education — from getting degrees to creating livelihoods.
The government has also introduced entrepreneurship as a subject for Class 11 students, ensuring early exposure to business thinking and self-reliance.
The AAP government said the early success of the initiative demonstrates that Punjab’s youth are ready to lead the next phase of India’s growth. The Mann-led administration aims to make the state the startup hub of the country, where education is not just about learning but about earning, creating, and transforming society.
Government officials added that the Punjab Startup App and the Entrepreneurship Mindset Course reflect the state’s commitment to turning job-seekers into job-creators, giving youth the wings to dream — and the platform to make those dreams real.
