Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab CM Mann inaugurates state’s first Startup Conclave, urges youth to become job creators
Babushahi Bureau
Phagwara (Punjab), January 12, 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday inaugurated Punjab’s first-ever Startup Punjab Conclave at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Kapurthala, declaring innovation, hard work and entrepreneurship as the backbone of the state’s future growth.
The conclave, organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab, marked a major push by the state government to promote a vibrant startup ecosystem and encourage youth-led economic transformation.
Addressing entrepreneurs, investors and students, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s future lies in entrepreneurship, not job hunting. Unveiling “Update and Create” as the new mantra for the youth, he urged young Punjabis to become job creators rather than job seekers, assuring them of full government support for every genuine business idea.
The Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 emerged as a flagship state-level platform, with over 100 startups participating alongside investors, incubators, industry leaders, academic experts and policymakers. The event showcased Punjab’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem and sent a clear message that the Bhagwant Mann government is fully committed to nurturing entrepreneurship.
Interacting with startup founders, CM Mann said the government’s clear objective is to transform the mindset of youth and enable them to carve a distinct identity through innovation.
“Punjabis are born entrepreneurs and natural engineers. Wherever they go, they excel. Our government is here to give wings to their dreams,” he said, adding that there is no shortage of funds for innovative ideas.
Sharing insights from his recent visit to Japan, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of vision, discipline and hard work in nation-building. He urged Punjab’s youth to adopt a forward-looking mindset, saying sustained effort and innovation are key to long-term success and prosperity.
Highlighting government support, CM Mann said more than 15 incubators and over five support organisations are actively working in Punjab to strengthen the startup ecosystem. On the occasion, incentive cheques were distributed to eight startups—seven receiving ₹3 lakh each as seed grants and one receiving ₹1.20 lakh as lease rental assistance. “Startups are not just businesses; they are engines of job creation and economic growth,” he said.
Taking a swipe at previous regimes, the Chief Minister said earlier governments discouraged success by demanding a share in private ventures. “Now, a government of the common people is in place, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity for all,” he asserted.
Reiterating the state’s long-term vision, CM Mann said startups addressing grassroots challenges in agriculture, health, education and governance are being actively encouraged.
He added that the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022 provides a transparent and robust framework for entrepreneurs, with special focus on women-led startups and first-generation entrepreneurs.
Inviting youth to participate in the Business Blasters Campaign, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s students are full of ideas but often lack recognition and encouragement. Quoting former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he said, “Dreams are not those which come while sleeping; dreams are those which do not let you sleep.”
The conclave also featured panel discussions on incubator support systems, founder-led insights into scaling startups, and emerging technology domains such as artificial intelligence, deep tech and cybersecurity.
The event concluded with recognition of incubators, enablers and nodal agencies, underlining Punjab’s vision of inclusive and innovation-led economic growth.
Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.