Punjab to set up Rs 29-crore Neuron 2.0 Tech Incubation Hub in Mohali
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: In a major move to strengthen Punjab’s technology and start-up ecosystem, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to establish a ₹29-crore technology incubation centre, Startup Punjab Hub–Neuron 2.0, at STPI Mohali.
The new facility will focus on cybersecurity and next-generation start-ups, along with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) and audio-visual graphics.
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora witnessed the signing of the agreement at Udyog Bhawan. The MoU was signed by Director Industries and Commerce-cum-Punjab Startup Nodal Officer Jaspreet Singh and STPI Director Shailendra K Tyagi.
Arora said the new centre will build on the success of Neuron 1.0, which incubated 114 start-ups, supported 158 products and 171 prototypes and helped create nearly 2,700 jobs.
Start-ups supported under the earlier initiative have attracted investments of around ₹251 crore and have a combined valuation of approximately ₹2,890 crore, he said.
The Neuron 2.0 project will receive ₹12 crore in in-principle support from the Punjab government, while STPI will contribute ₹17 crore.
The facility aims to nurture at least 50 start-ups over the next five years and train 2,000 professionals through structured programmes in emerging technologies.
Dedicated cybersecurity lab planned
A dedicated cybersecurity laboratory equipped with advanced facilities will be established at the centre to support product development, testing and experimentation.
The hub will provide start-ups with incubation, mentoring, advanced infrastructure, skill development, product commercialisation support and industry linkages.
Eligible start-ups will also be encouraged to register with Startup Punjab to access benefits available under the state’s start-up policy.
Arora said the collaboration with STPI would help Punjab use emerging technologies to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Under the agreement, STPI will operate and manage the facility, maintain the cybersecurity laboratory and organise hackathons, bootcamps, outreach programmes and investor-connect events.
The training programmes will be offered at foundation, intermediate and expert levels. Training opportunities will also be extended to students of government and government-aided schools and colleges.
Startup Punjab will support start-up outreach, mentoring and ecosystem development while connecting the hub with government departments, educational institutions and industry bodies.