AMAN ARORA LAUNCHES PUNJAB INVESTOR CIRCLE 2.0; DISBURSES ₹1.17 CRORE SEED GRANT TO 28 STARTUPS
•Punjab’s startup count jumps from 36 to 404 in 5 years: Aman Arora
•₹6.8 crore disbursed to 222 startups, seed grant up to Rs 15 lakh under new Startup Policy 2026, says Industries Minister
• Startup Punjab signs MoU with Zoho Corporation; eligible startups to get ₹1.86 lakh wallet credits to scale operations
•10 Startups Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies Before Investors
CHANDIGARH, November 4 (WISHAVWARTA);- In a major push to Punjab’s innovation-led growth, Industries & Commerce Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Wednesday launched the 2nd edition of Punjab Investor Circle within four months of its debut, while disbursing Rs 1.17 crore in seed grants to 28 startups to accelerate the state’s startup ecosystem.
While addressing an impressive gathering here at a hotel, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “Punjab is now home to hundreds startups in IT services, healthcare & life sciences, agriculture, food & beverages and education- with 50% led by women directors. In July we started this platform at INST Mohali, and within four months we are back with the second edition. This is not just an event, it is our commitment to build a regular bridge between our startups and capital.”
Congratulating the entrepreneurs, the Industries Minister said Punjab’s startup ecosystem has grown from just 36 startups in 2021-22 to 404 in 2026, with Rs 6.80 crore seed funding disbursed to 222 startups. Recognised as a Top Performer in SRF 4.0 and 5.0, the state has further strengthened its framework through Punjab Startup Policy 2026, offering seed grants up to Rs 15 lakh in two tranches, interest and lease rental subsidies, and purchase preference in government procurement. With 350+ outreach activities, the Punjab Investor Circle and Startup Punjab Hub – Neuron 2.0, the state has built robust funding, incubation and industry linkages.
He emphasised that Punjab’s youth possess immense entrepreneurial potential and the Government is focused on providing them financial support, institutional assistance, mentorship and market access to transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises.
“Punjab’s strong industrial base, skilled workforce, premier educational and research institutions and progressive investor facilitation framework provide a conducive environment for startups to innovate, scale and compete nationally and globally,” the Industries Minister said.
Addressing the founders who pitched at the event, Mr. Aman Arora said, “Do not think small. Think big. Aim to become global companies and unicorns. When you succeed, you represent Punjab, carry our identity, and act as brand ambassadors of the state.”
A major highlight of the Punjab Investor Circle was the Investor Pitching Session, where 10 promising startups presented their innovative business models and technologies before investors and an expert jury.The session provided startups with an opportunity to engage directly with potential investors, explore funding partnerships, receive expert feedback and strengthen their investment readiness for future growth.
These startups showcased cutting-edge innovations across artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, biotechnology, healthtech, sustainable technologies, smart manufacturing, next-generation ed-tech and agri-biotech — reflecting Punjab’s growing strength in deep-tech research, technology commercialisation and scalable solutions for emerging industrial and societal needs.
An Innovation Exhibition organised alongside further showcased the diversity and technological capabilities of Punjab’s emerging enterprises, with exhibitors displaying innovations across advanced materials and smart textiles, sustainable manufacturing, food and agri-tech, nutrition science, AI-powered ed-tech, robotics and interactive learning solutions.
Meanwhile, Startup Punjab signed an MoU with Zoho Corporation under its Zoho for Startups programme. Under this collaboration, eligible registered startups will receive pro-bono Zoho Wallet Credits of up to Rs 1.86 lakh to access digital business solutions, streamline operations and strengthen their capabilities. The event also highlighted Punjab’s expanding support infrastructure, comprising over 25 recognised incubators and accelerators, a strong mentor network and collaborations with premier institutions including IIT Ropar, IISER Mohali, ISB Mohali, Plaksha University, PAU, GADVASU and Thapar Institute.
Administrative Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Dr. Basant Garg said the Punjab Investor Circle — conceptualised under Startup Punjab’s Investor Connect Initiative — is a sustained platform to connect innovative startups with investors, industry leaders and funding institutions. Building on its inaugural edition in July 2026 at INST Mohali, the second edition has further strengthened the interface between Punjab’s entrepreneurial talent and the investment community.
The initiative reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision to promote youth-led entrepreneurship, accelerate technology-driven growth, foster innovation and create new employment opportunities across Punjab, he said, while adding that the engagements among startups, investors and industry stakeholders reaffirm the Government’s commitment to building a vibrant, investment-ready and globally competitive startup ecosystem.
Director Industries & Commerce Mr. Jaspreet Singh, MD Punjab Financial Corporation Ms. Senu Duggal and senior officials of the department also attended the event.
