Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 21:03 IST

CM Mann inaugurated Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 at LPU, Kapurthala, celebrating innovation with over 100 startups, seed grants, and a focus on youth-led entrepreneurship.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. (PTI file photo)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday inaugurated the state’s first Startup Punjab Conclave at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Kapurthala, underscoring innovation, hard work and entrepreneurship as the cornerstone of the government’s economic vision.

Organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab, the Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 was positioned as a flagship state-level platform celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and the state’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

With over 100 startups participating, seed grants being disbursed, and industry leaders, investors, incubators, academic experts and policymakers coming together, the conclave highlighted the government’s institutional backing for new business ideas.

The Chief Minister urged Punjab’s youth to become job creators, unveiling “Update and Create” as the new mantra for youth-led growth.Interacting with entrepreneurs, Mann said the government’s objective is to transform Punjab’s youth from job seekers into job givers so they can carve a distinct identity for themselves.

He said Punjabis are natural engineers and born entrepreneurs who succeed in every endeavour they undertake.

The Chief Minister said the Punjab government is fully committed to supporting entrepreneurial aspirations and assured that no stone would be left unturned in this direction.

Coining the slogan “update and create,” he said there is no dearth of funds and the government will support every viable idea proposed by business leaders.

Sharing observations from his recent visit to Japan, Mann said countries progress due to a clear vision for the future, citing Japan’s integrated transport systems as an example. He referred to companies like Rising Star and Rising Sun to highlight a positive mindset and urged Punjab’s youth to adopt a forward-thinking approach.

He also said Japanese citizens work overtime to achieve their dreams, contributing to longevity of life, and called upon Punjabis to imbibe similar traits to excel globally.

Expressing confidence in the conclave, the Chief Minister said it would serve as an important platform to showcase Punjab’s innovative and fast-growing startup ecosystem. He said the event brought entrepreneurs, investors, academic experts and policymakers under one roof to foster collaboration and inspire others, adding that more than 100 startups from across the state were participating.

Mann said over 15 incubators and more than five support organisations based in Punjab are showcasing their initiatives at the conclave. He said the state government is providing special incentive cheques to eight startups, with seven startups receiving Rs 3 lakh each as seed grants and one startup receiving Rs 1.20 lakh as lease rental assistance. He described startups as major engines for job creation and economic growth.

Taking a swipe at previous regimes, the Chief Minister said earlier people were afraid of success as leaders demanded a share in ventures. He said the present government of common people is giving everyone a fair chance to succeed in life.

Reiterating the government’s long-term vision, Mann said startups addressing ground-level challenges in sectors such as agriculture, health, education and administration are being encouraged. He said the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022 has been implemented to provide a transparent and robust framework for entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister said Startup Punjab is working to nurture a culture of innovation, with special priority to women-led startups and first-generation entrepreneurs. He added that Punjab’s strong industrial base and infrastructure are conducive to startup growth and called upon investors and industry leaders to trust the talent of Punjab’s youth.

Inviting youngsters to explore bold ideas under the Business Blasters Campaign, Mann said students have unique concepts but often lack recognition and encouragement. Quoting former President A P J Abdul Kalam, he said true dreams demand action and urged youth to shun fleeting fame and become “beacon lights for society.”

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

The Department of Industries and Commerce said the Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 brought together startups, incubators, investors, industry leaders, academic experts and policymakers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to innovation-led growth.

The conclave featured participation from 75 to 80 startups and ecosystem partners, cheque disbursal to seed-funded startups, thematic panel discussions on incubator support systems and emerging technologies, and concluded with recognition of incubators, enablers and nodal agencies.

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