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Chandigarh, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora on Wednesday launched the second edition of Punjab Investor Circle and disbursed Rs 1.17 crore in seed grants to 28 startups, giving a fresh push to the state's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Addressing entrepreneurs and investors at an event in Chandigarh, Arora said Punjab's startup ecosystem had expanded from 36 startups in 2021-22 to 404 in 2026, with around 50 per cent led by women directors. He noted that the investor-connect platform, launched in July at INST Mohali, had returned with its second edition within four months.
The minister said the state had disbursed Rs 6.80 crore in seed funding to 222 startups. Under the Punjab Startup Policy 2026, eligible startups can receive seed grants of up to Rs 15 lakh in two tranches, besides interest and lease rental subsidies and purchase preference in government procurement.
Highlighting the state's growing support network, Arora said Punjab had undertaken more than 350 outreach activities and developed funding, incubation and industry linkages through Punjab Investor Circle and Startup Punjab Hub – Neuron 2.0. The state has also been recognized as a Top Performer in States' Startup Ranking (SRF) 4.0 and 5.0.
Encouraging entrepreneurs to aim for larger markets, Arora said, “Do not think small. Think big. Aim to become global companies and unicorns. When you succeed, you represent Punjab, carry our identity, and act as brand ambassadors of the state.”
A major highlight of the event was an investor pitching session in which 10 startups presented their business models and technologies before investors and an expert jury. Their innovations covered artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, biotechnology, health technology, sustainable technologies, smart manufacturing, next-generation education technology and agricultural biotechnology.
An innovation exhibition held alongside the event showcased products and solutions in smart textiles, sustainable manufacturing, food and agri-tech, nutrition science, AI-powered education technology, robotics and interactive learning.
Startup Punjab also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zoho Corporation under its Zoho for Startups programme. Eligible registered startups will receive pro-bono Zoho Wallet Credits worth up to Rs 1.86 lakh to access digital business solutions and strengthen their operations.
Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Dr Basant Garg said Punjab Investor Circle, conceptualized under Startup Punjab's Investor Connect Initiative, aims to establish sustained connections between startups, investors, industry leaders and funding institutions.
He said the initiative reflected Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of promoting youth-led entrepreneurship, technology-driven growth and employment generation across the state.
Director Industries and Commerce Jaspreet Singh, Punjab Financial Corporation Managing Director Senu Duggal and senior departmental officials also attended the event.