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 ₹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 ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, with seven startups receiving grants of ₹5 lakh each and 24 startups receiving ₹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 ₹1.07 crore are being distributed to 31 startups. Seven startups are receiving grants of ₹5 lakh each, while 24 startups are receiving grants of ₹3 lakh each. These young entrepreneurs are turning their dreams into reality through innovative ideas and they truly deserve this support.”
Highlighting policy initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These Seed Grants will help transform the dreams of Punjab’s youth into reality. Under the Startup and Industrial Policy 2026, the Seed Grant amount has been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Our vision is to encourage young people to become job creators instead of job seekers and make them active partners in Punjab’s socio-economic development.”
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, Vice Chairperson of Punjab Development Commission Seema Bansal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
What the Startup Punjab Seed Grant initiative means for young entrepreneurs
The Bhagwant Mann Government distributed Seed Grants worth ₹1.07 crore to 31 startups as part of its efforts to strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem and encourage youth-led entrepreneurship. Under the initiative, seven startups received grants of ₹5 lakh each, while 24 startups received ₹3 lakh each to help convert innovative ideas into viable businesses. The support is aimed at reducing the financial burden faced by entrepreneurs during the initial stages of their ventures, when many promising ideas fail due to a lack of funding.