Punjab News Daily

Chandigarh, June 9

Punjab is steadily charting a new growth story driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and youth-led enterprise, with the state emerging as a promising startup destination where young minds are transforming ideas into businesses and employment opportunities. Further strengthening this vision, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday distributed Seed Grants worth Rs 1.07 crore to 31 startups and their founders, asserting that Punjab’s next generation of successful entrepreneurs should not only come from Punjab but also build their companies in Punjab, creating jobs and wealth within the state. Describing startups as a key pillar of Punjab’s future economic growth, he said the Punjab government is committed to ensuring that no promising idea is abandoned due to lack of financial support. 

The Chief Minister noted that under the Punjab Startup & Industrial Policy 2026, Seed Grant assistance has been enhanced from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, with seven startups receiving grants of Rs 5 lakh each and 24 startups receiving Rs 3 lakh each. He expressed confidence that these ventures would create thousands of employment opportunities and help reduce the need for youth to move abroad in search of jobs. Emphasising that innovation has become a defining feature of governance in Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said initiatives such as free electricity, daytime power supply to farmers and several other reforms have demonstrated how new ideas can deliver direct benefits to people. He said that with sustained support for entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise, Punjab is firmly on the path to becoming the startup hub of India.

Addressing the gathering during the Startup Punjab Seed Distribution function, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today is a historic day for Punjab’s industry, especially for our young entrepreneurs who are beginning their business journey with innovative ideas and a spirit of innovation. Seed Grants worth Rs 1.07 crore are being distributed to 31 startups. Seven startups are receiving grants of Rs 5 lakh each, while 24 startups are receiving grants of Rs 3 lakh each. These young entrepreneurs are turning their dreams into reality through innovative ideas and they truly deserve this support.”

Drawing a parallel between entrepreneurship and politics, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) itself was born from an idea at a time when dynastic politics dominated the country and the common man had been sidelined. In many ways, AAP was also a startup that cleaned the political system with its symbol of the broom. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the people of Punjab rejected seven former Chief Ministers and their families and gave an opportunity to an honest government. That decision has transformed Punjab and made it a frontrunner state in the country.”

Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of Punjabis, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjabis are renowned across the world for their hard work, determination and enterprise. Inspired by the same spirit, our youth are launching new ventures and creating opportunities. They are not merely running businesses, they are shaping the future of Punjab.”