On June 9, 2026,Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced seed grants totaling ₹1.07 crore to 31 startups. He urged entrepreneurs to build businesses in Punjab, creating jobs and wealth locally .
During event,Mann highlighted the Punjab Startup & Industrial Policy 2026, which raised seed grants from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Seven startups got ₹5 lakh each,24 others ₹3 lakh. Mann hopes these initiatives will create jobs, reducing need for youth to go abroad.
Innovation is now key in Punjab governance, Mann said. Initiatives like free electricity for farmers show new ideas' tangible benefits. With continued support,he believes Punjab is on path to becoming India's startup hub .
“Today is a historic day for Punjab’s industry, especially for our young entrepreneurs who are beginning their business journey with innovative ideas,” Mann said,celebrating distribution of the grants.
Drawing parallel between entrepreneurship and politics, Mann noted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) started from an idea amid dynastic politics. AAP as a startup aimed to reform political scene, echoing 2022 elections when voters chose new leadership over established families.
He criticized previous regimes for ignoring programs that could benefit youth and revive Punjab's economy. “Such programmes were never on the agenda of previous regimes that ruined Punjab and plundered its resources,” he said, asserting his government’s commitment to young entrepreneurs.
Mann praised Punjabis' entrepreneurial spirit, known for hard work and innovation globally . Companies like Zomato,Ola, and Flipkart show Punjabis' impact. “Wherever Punjabis go,they create value,build businesses, generate employment and earn respect,” he said,aiming to keep future founders in Punjab.
He recalled visits to Pangyo Techno Valley in South Korea and World Horti Center in Netherlands,seeing how structured innovation can transform regions. Mann urged local entrepreneurs to draw inspiration from these models,saying a good ecosystem can turn ideas into global companies.
“We want every entrepreneur to become a brand ambassador of Punjab,” he declared, encouraging them to showcase state's readiness for innovation. Mann promised government support,comparing startup nurturing to growing a plant.
“Many brilliant ideas fail because entrepreneurs lack resources in the early stages,” he acknowledged,promising Punjab Government would not let financial issues stifle young innovators’ dreams. He urged them to think big, aim globally, reminding them their success reflects on families and communities.
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora,Vice Chairperson of Punjab Development Commission Seema Bansal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and other dignitaries attended grant ceremony,marking step towards boosting Punjab's entrepreneurial scene. But will it be enough…
