Punjab Government Shows Kindness to Young Entrepreneurs, 31 Startups Receive Seed Grants

July 8, 2026

Amidst efforts to reshape Punjab’s economy, the state government has accelerated its efforts to strengthen the startup ecosystem. On June 9th, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann distributed seed grants totaling ₹1.07 crore to 31 startups and their founders. He emphasized that Punjab’s young talent and entrepreneurs should not need to leave the state to pursue their dreams.

The government’s goal is to create an environment that fosters innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, enabling startups to become key drivers of job creation and economic growth. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann distributed seed grants totaling ₹1.07 crore to 31 startups and their founders on June 9th.

He emphasized that the next generation of successful entrepreneurs from the state should also establish their companies here, creating jobs and wealth in Punjab. Describing startups as a key pillar of Punjab’s future economic growth, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab government is committed to ensuring that no promising idea is left behind due to lack of financial support.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that under the Punjab Startup and Industrial Policy 2026, the seed grant has been increased from ₹300,000 to ₹500,000, with seven startups receiving ₹500,000 and 24 startups receiving ₹300,000. He expressed confidence that these ventures will create thousands of employment opportunities and reduce the need for youth to travel abroad in search of jobs.

Emphasizing that innovation has become a hallmark of governance in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that initiatives such as free electricity, daytime power supply to farmers, and numerous other reforms have demonstrated how new ideas can directly benefit people. He stated that with continued support for entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise, Punjab is firmly on its way to becoming India’s startup hub.

Addressing the gathering at the Startup Punjab Seed Distribution function, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today is a historic day for Punjab’s industry, especially for our young entrepreneurs who are embarking on their business journeys with new 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 with innovative ideas and truly deserve this support.

Comparing entrepreneurship and politics, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was also born from an idea at a time when dynastic politics dominated the country and marginalized the common man. In many ways, AAP was also a startup, cleaning up the political system with its broom symbol. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the people of Punjab rejected seven former Chief Ministers and their families and gave an honest government a chance.

He said that such programs were never on the agenda of previous governments, which ruined Punjab and plundered its resources. The Punjab government is making every effort to ensure that youth benefit from such initiatives and help make Punjab a leading state in the country. Speaking about the entrepreneurial spirit of Punjabis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjabis are renowned worldwide for their hard work, determination, and drive.

Inspired by this spirit, our youth are starting new ventures and creating opportunities. They aren’t just running businesses; they are shaping the future of Punjab.” Government Citing examples of successful entrepreneurs with Punjabi roots, he said that many successful companies in India and around the world have been started or co-founded by Punjabis. Companies like Zomato, Ola, and Flipkart are examples of how Punjabis have proven their mettle globally.

Recalling his foreign travels, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “At the Pangyo Techno Valley in South Korea, we saw how a well-planned innovation ecosystem can transform an entire region. The model demonstrated that when the ecosystem is properly designed, ideas can become global companies. Similarly, during my visit to the World Horti Center in the Netherlands, I saw how innovation can transform agriculture and horticulture through testing, demonstration, and commercialization of new technologies.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that startups will play a major role in Punjab’s transformation by creating employment and instilling confidence in youth. He said, “We want every entrepreneur to be a brand ambassador for Punjab. Wherever you go, carry Punjab’s name with pride and tell the world that Punjab is ready for innovation, Punjab is ready for startups, and Punjab is ready for the future.” Assuring full support, he said, “We will stand by you, listen to you, support you, and solve all your problems.” Just as a tiny seed needs water, nutrition, and care to grow into a healthy plant, an entrepreneur needs initial financial support to turn their idea into a successful business.