•Dual launch to position Punjab as one of India’s most preferred destinations for innovation-driven enterprises, says Aman Arora
• Investor Circle to bridge gap between innovation & investment; Neuron 2.0 to focus on advanced skilling & cyber security: Industries Minister
• Over 2,500 DPIIT-recognised startups in Punjab; ₹6.8 crore seed funding disbursed: Aman Arora
•14 startups pitch to investors for funding, strategic guidance and long-term partnerships at launch event
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, July 9:
In a major push to transform the state into a powerhouse of innovation, Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Thursday launched two key initiatives — the Punjab Investor Circle, a dedicated platform to connect high-potential startups with venture capitalists, industry leaders and ecosystem enablers, and Startup Punjab Hub – Neuron 2.0 to boost deep-tech incubation and advanced skilling. The dual launch aims to position Punjab as one of India’s most preferred destinations for innovation-driven enterprises.
The inaugural event, organised by Startup Punjab here at Institute of Nano Science and Technology, featured pitching sessions by 14 innovative ventures from sectors including Information Technology, Healthcare, Agritech, Manufacturing and Deep Technology. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors and mentors, providing a platform for startups to present their growth plans and explore opportunities for funding, strategic guidance and long-term partnerships.
Addressing the gathering, Industries & Commerce Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to fostering a vibrant, innovation-led economy.
“The Startup Punjab has provided policy incentives, seed funding and incubation support. With the Punjab Investor Circle, we are now creating a long-term institutional platform to bridge the critical gap between innovation and investment. The government can create the enabling ecosystem, but sustainable growth requires strong partnerships with investors,” he stated.
Mr Aman Arora highlighted the state’s burgeoning startup landscape, revealing that Punjab is now home to over 2,500 DPIIT-recognised startups. He noted that Startup Punjab has supported more than 222 startups through seed funding exceeding ₹6.8 crore. In a testament to the state’s inclusive growth, nearly half of these recognised startups have at least one woman director, reflecting the rising prominence of women entrepreneurs in Punjab’s economic narrative.
The Industries Minister also unveiled Startup Punjab Hub – Neuron 2.0, an upgraded version of the earlier programme. He said that the original Neuron initiative had incubated 114 tech startups, facilitated 67 intellectual property filings, generated nearly 2,700 jobs and helped startups achieve a cumulative valuation of approximately ₹890 crore. The new version, Neuron 2.0 aims to further strengthen the ecosystem with the setting up of a dedicated Cybersecurity Lab and state-of-the-art skilling infrastructure.
The event also witnessed intensive networking sessions between startups, investors and mentors, paving the way for future investments and strategic collaborations. With the launch of these two initiatives, the Punjab Government has reaffirmed its commitment to position the state as one of India’s most preferred destinations for startups and innovation-driven enterprises.
Administrative Secretary Industries and Commerce Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Punjab Development Commission Vice Chairperson Ms. Seema Bansal, CEO Invest Punjab Mr. Amit Dhaka, Director Mr. Jaspreet Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.
