The Delhi government will allocate ₹400 crore to strengthen the capital’s startup and incubation ecosystem under its Delhi Start-Up and Incubation Policy 2026, Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood said on Sunday.

Sood said Delhi had not developed its startup ecosystem at the pace it could have, despite having major educational institutions, access to capital and a large pool of skilled young people. The proposed investment is aimed at strengthening incubation infrastructure, mentorship and financial support for entrepreneurs.

₹400 crore startup support plan

The proposed ₹400-crore allocation is intended to provide greater institutional support to startups operating in Delhi.

According to the government, the policy will focus on areas including incubation infrastructure, mentorship programmes and direct incentives for entrepreneurs. The objective is to create a more structured environment in which ideas emerging from colleges and other institutions can be developed into commercially viable businesses.

The announcement comes as governments across India increasingly seek to strengthen local startup ecosystems through funding, incubation facilities and links between educational institutions and industry.

Sood says Delhi fell behind

Sood acknowledged that Delhi had significant advantages but had not fully converted them into a strong and integrated startup ecosystem.

He pointed to Delhi's position as the national capital, its premier educational institutions and its large pool of young and educated people as factors that could have helped the city become a stronger startup hub.

The minister said the growth of India's startup ecosystem since 2014 had been rapid, while Delhi's development in this area had not kept pace with its potential. 

Focus on incubation and mentorship

A major component of the new policy is expected to be the expansion of incubation support.

Incubators can provide early-stage companies with workspace, technical assistance, mentoring, networking opportunities and access to investors. For student and first-time founders, such support can be particularly important in moving an idea from an academic or experimental stage towards a marketable product.

The Delhi government's planned support therefore goes beyond direct financial assistance and includes institutional infrastructure for entrepreneurs. 

Student entrepreneurship gets attention

The policy also comes against the backdrop of efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among students in Delhi.

Earlier this year, the government had announced a Campus to Market Startup Incubation Policy, with an allocation of ₹325 crore over five years and a stated target of supporting thousands of startups.

The latest ₹400-crore announcement indicates a broader push to establish Delhi as a more organised base for entrepreneurship, rather than relying primarily on individual startup initiatives.

Delhi's wider startup advantage

Delhi and the wider National Capital Region already form one of India's major startup clusters, benefiting from proximity to investors, corporate headquarters, government institutions and a large consumer market.

The NCR has developed significant activity across sectors including technology, fintech, e-commerce, logistics and education. However, the presence of a large startup market does not automatically mean that every part of the region has an equally developed support system.

The government's latest policy seeks to strengthen that institutional layer within Delhi itself.

India’s startup growth raises competition

The move also comes amid rapid expansion of India's overall startup ecosystem. Government-backed initiatives such as Startup India have helped establish a wider framework for entrepreneurship, while private investment and digital infrastructure have supported the growth of technology-led businesses.

Delhi is therefore competing with established startup centres and emerging innovation hubs across the country for founders, investors, talent and new businesses.

Sood's comments suggest that the Delhi government wants to use the capital's existing institutional advantages to close that gap.

Implementation will determine impact

The effectiveness of the ₹400-crore programme will ultimately depend on how the funds are distributed, which startups qualify for support and how effectively incubation and mentorship programmes are implemented.

For entrepreneurs, access to funding is only one part of building a successful company. Availability of experienced mentors, market access, skilled talent, infrastructure and a predictable regulatory environment can also influence whether early-stage businesses survive and scale.

The Delhi government's challenge will therefore be to convert the proposed financial commitment into a functioning support network that can produce measurable outcomes for startups and young entrepreneurs.

The signature black leather jacket worn by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has fetched nearly ₹9.4 crore ($960,000) at a Sotheby’s auction, making it one of the most valuable pieces of modern tech memorabilia ever sold.

The jacket, which was initially expected to sell for $40,000–$60,000 (around ₹33 lakh–₹50 lakh), achieved a final price nearly 16 times higher than its estimated value. The auction highlights Huang’s growing influence in the global technology industry, where his signature look has become as recognizable as his company's AI leadership.

According to reports, the entire auction proceeds will be directed toward supporting young innovators, scientific research and fellowship programs. The funds will benefit an initiative backed by Long Journey Ventures, which works with the Edge Institute, a non-profit organization that brings together experts from technology, science, culture and society to develop breakthrough ideas.

A Signature Style in Silicon Valley

Jensen Huang’s black leather jacket has become one of Silicon Valley’s most recognizable fashion statements, much like Steve Jobs’ black turtleneck and Mark Zuckerberg’s grey T-shirt and hoodie.

The auctioned jacket is a Tom Ford leather jacket that Huang wore during Hon Hai Tech Day in Taipei on October 18, 2023. Sotheby’s authenticated the jacket by matching it with event photographs, while Huang’s signature was verified by James Spence Authentication.

Huang has often joked about his trademark appearance. During a 2016 Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session, he humorously referred to himself as "that guy in the leather jacket." The iconic outfit has since become closely associated with NVIDIA’s product launches, AI conferences and keynote presentations, including his Time magazine cover appearance in 2021.

Luxury Meets Technology

Fashion experts note that Jensen Huang is a long-time admirer of Tom Ford leather jackets, with many pieces in his wardrobe reportedly costing several thousand dollars, and some valued at over $10,000.

According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, Huang is currently among the world's wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $175 billion (around ₹16.8 lakh crore), driven by NVIDIA's rapid growth in the artificial intelligence sector.

Madhya Pradesh is set to host the Madhya Pradesh Tech Growth Conclave 3.0 on July 13, 2026, at Taj Lakefront, Bhopal, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors and technology experts to discuss the state's emerging role as a preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), data centres and semiconductor investments.

Organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSeDC), the conclave aims to showcase the state's technology-driven investment ecosystem and the opportunities created under the Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025.

Focus on Technology Investments

According to the organisers, the conclave will focus on expanding Madhya Pradesh's GCC ecosystem through policy support, infrastructure development, talent availability and industry collaboration. Discussions will also cover the future of semiconductor manufacturing, data centre infrastructure and digital transformation.

The event is expected to provide a platform for interaction between government representatives, technology companies, investors and industry stakeholders, encouraging partnerships and new investment proposals.

GCC Policy at the Centre

The Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025 has been designed to attract Global Capability Centres by offering financial incentives, infrastructure support and skill development assistance.

Key incentives under the policy include:

• Capital expenditure subsidy of up to 40%, subject to a maximum limit.

• 50% payroll incentive during the initial year.

• Skill development support of up to ₹50,000 per employee.

• Patent filing assistance of up to ₹10 lakh.

• Annual support of up to ₹25 lakh for hosting global events.

• 100% reimbursement of stamp duty.

• Single-window clearance for faster approvals.

Officials believe these measures will strengthen Madhya Pradesh's competitiveness in attracting global technology companies.

Industry Dialogue

The conclave is expected to feature discussions on policy-led growth, digital infrastructure, workforce readiness and investment opportunities across the technology sector.

Experts from the GCC, semiconductor and data centre industries are likely to deliberate on emerging trends, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and future-ready business ecosystems.

The organisers said the event is intended to position Madhya Pradesh as a major technology investment destination by creating stronger collaboration between the government and private sector.

Registration Open

The conclave will be held on July 13, 2026, at Taj Lakefront, Bhopal. Interested participants, including industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and technology stakeholders, can register through the online registration link shared by MPSeDC.

The state government expects the event to further strengthen Madhya Pradesh's position as an emerging technology and innovation hub while attracting long-term investments in high-growth sectors.

Bharat Innovates 2026 brings together Indian innovators, global investors and research institutions, with PM Modi saying India is emerging as a provider of solutions to global challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, marking a significant step in strengthening innovation and technology cooperation between the two countries. The event, organised by India’s Ministry of Education, is being positioned as a major platform to connect Indian startups, researchers and technology enterprises with global investors, industry leaders and academic institutions.

The launch comes as part of the India-France Year of Innovation, an initiative aimed at deepening collaboration in science, technology and entrepreneurship. Addressing participants at the event, Prime Minister Modi said India was steadily emerging as a contributor of solutions to global challenges, underlining the country’s growing role in areas ranging from deep technology to sustainable development.

Focus on Innovation

Bharat Innovates 2026 has been designed as a global showcase for India’s innovation ecosystem. Officials said the programme seeks to create opportunities for Indian startups and research institutions to access international markets, secure investment and develop cross-border partnerships.

The event has drawn participation from more than 500 global investors, venture capital firms, corporate leaders and technology experts. Organisers expect discussions over the next few days to focus on funding opportunities, research collaboration and commercialisation of emerging technologies.

Indian Startups Take Centre Stage

A key feature of the summit is the presence of 120 Indian innovators selected through a vetting process overseen by a Technical Oversight Committee led by Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood.

These startups and innovators represent a broad spectrum of sectors, many of which are considered critical to future economic growth and technological competitiveness. Several are expected to hold one-on-one meetings with investors and industry representatives seeking new opportunities in Asia’s rapidly expanding technology market.

Officials indicated that the platform has been structured not merely as an exhibition but as a business-focused engagement designed to facilitate investment deals, market access and technology transfer arrangements.

Thirteen Strategic Sectors

The exhibition highlights developments across 13 strategic sectors, including advanced computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, healthcare, space technology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The emphasis on deep-tech sectors reflects India’s broader ambition to move beyond traditional startup models and build globally competitive capabilities in high-value research and innovation-driven industries.

French institutions and companies are also participating, providing opportunities for joint research projects and commercial partnerships.

Strong Political Support

The presence of senior leaders from both countries has underscored the strategic importance attached to the initiative. Alongside Prime Minister Modi, the Indian delegation includes External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

Officials familiar with the programme said the involvement of top policymakers is intended to signal long-term governmental support for deeper economic and technological engagement between India and France.

The summit is also expected to contribute to broader bilateral objectives, including enhanced trade, industrial cooperation and investment flows.

Expanding the Tech Corridor

Beyond immediate business opportunities, Bharat Innovates 2026 is aimed at building institutional links between Indian and French innovation ecosystems. Policymakers view the initiative as a mechanism for creating sustainable channels for collaboration in research, product development and manufacturing.

Experts believe such partnerships could help Indian startups gain easier access to European markets while enabling French firms to tap into India’s growing technology and talent base.

Looking Ahead

As discussions continue in Nice, attention will be on potential agreements and collaboration frameworks that may emerge from the event. Officials have indicated that outcomes could include new partnerships in research and development, startup scaling programmes and measures to simplify cross-border investment processes.

With innovation increasingly becoming a key pillar of economic diplomacy, Bharat Innovates 2026 is being seen as an important effort to position India more prominently within the global technology landscape while reinforcing strategic ties with France.

PM Modi Highlights India-Sweden Partnership in Gothenburg Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of close cooperation between India and Sweden during his address at the European Round Table for Industry here on Sunday, describing it as vital amid current global challenges.

Speaking in the Swedish city, Modi stressed that democratic nations must work together more closely. He reiterated that both countries view terrorism as a grave threat to humanity and expressed gratitude to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for support following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Warm Welcome in Sweden

PM Modi arrived in Gothenburg on May 17, marking his first visit to Sweden since 2018. Swedish Gripen fighter jets escorted his aircraft into Swedish airspace, and Prime Minister Kristersson personally received him at Landvetter Airport. Ceremonial elements included a military band performance and a traditional aarti by women of Indian origin at the hotel.

Later, Modi was conferred with Sweden's highest honour for foreign heads of government — the Royal Order of the Polar Star Commander Grand Cross — by Crown Princess Victoria. He dedicated the award to the people of India. This marks his 31st international honour.

Elevation to Strategic Partnership

During bilateral talks with Kristersson and interactions involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a full Strategic Partnership, backed by a Joint Action Plan for 2026-2030.

Defence and Industrial Ties Deepen

The partnership moves beyond traditional defence purchases. Swedish firms are setting up production units in India, signalling a shift towards long-term industrial collaboration in security and emerging technologies.

Focus on Technology and Innovation

Leaders announced plans for an India-Sweden Technology and AI Corridor to boost cooperation in artificial intelligence, health tech, and green mobility. A new India-Sweden Science and Technology Centre will connect startup ecosystems and research institutions directly.

Green Transition and Climate Action

Both sides highlighted potential in green hydrogen, circular economy, and sustainable infrastructure. Sweden’s advanced technology combined with India’s scale could deliver global climate solutions, Modi noted while addressing industry leaders.

He also pointed to upcoming opportunities from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, inviting European investors to tap into India’s vibrant startup ecosystem in areas such as AI, fintech, space, drones, biotech, and climate tech. India ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

Terrorism a Shared Concern

In his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism and those who support it. He appreciated Sweden’s backing after the recent attack in Pahalgam, emphasising that such cooperation strengthens collective security in a tense global environment.

Local observers noted the visit’s significance for people-to-people ties, with cultural performances adding a warm touch to the official engagements. Modi’s plane landing and subsequent events drew attention across both nations.

The two-day visit is part of Modi’s broader five-nation Europe tour. Officials indicated it will help advance defence, trade, innovation, and resilient supply chain cooperation between India and European partners.

As discussions concluded, both sides expressed optimism about translating intent into concrete investments and joint projects in the coming years. The upgraded strategic framework is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral trade, currently around $7.75 billion, with ambitions to expand it significantly.

Prime Minister flags pandemic, wars, energy crisis during Netherlands diaspora address; calls for unified action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted a stark picture of the world's escalating challenges during his visit to the Netherlands on Friday, warning that if current conditions persist, decades of economic progress could unravel, pushing vast populations into poverty.

Addressing the Indian community in The Hague, Modi said this decade has emerged as a defining period of global instability. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by regional conflicts and an ongoing energy crisis, has created what he described as an unprecedented convergence of crises threatening worldwide prosperity.

"If the situation does not change, the progress made over many decades will be undone," Modi said, speaking before a gathering of Indian expatriates. "A very large section of the world's population could be pushed into a poverty trap."

Yet Modi tempered his warnings with optimism about India's economic trajectory. The country has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 200,000 active startups—a dramatic leap from just 500 ventures a decade ago.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's digital payment revolution as evidence of transformative growth. India processed more than 20 billion UPI transactions in the past year alone, accounting for over half of the globe's digital transactions. He also noted that 44 crore new startups were registered in 2025, signalling a shift in mindset among India's youth toward entrepreneurship.

"Startups have become a mindset," Modi said, adding that unicorn valuations have surged from 4 in 2014 to 125 today.Modi positioned the Netherlands as a strategic entry point for Indian businesses seeking to expand into Europe, praising the Indian diaspora for creating trusted bridges between the two nations.

He drew a symbolic parallel between Dutch tulips and Indian lotuses—both flowers requiring strong roots and proper nurturing to flourish. The metaphor, he suggested, reflected the deeper partnership between India and the Netherlands, rooted in shared values and mutual growth.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged sporting connections, noting that the Dutch cricket team's performance at the recent T20 World Cup held in India demonstrated the nations' collaborative spirit.

India is advancing rapidly in semiconductor manufacturing, with work underway on 12 plants. Production has already commenced at two facilities, Modi announced, signalling India's intent to design and manufacture chips domestically rather than remain dependent on imports.

He also referenced India's progress in artificial intelligence and associated technologies, positioning the country as an emerging hub in global tech innovation.

Modi reflected on the significance of May 16, 2014—the date when election results delivered India a stable government with an absolute majority following decades of coalition politics. The mandate, he said, continues to motivate his work.

Recent state elections underscored India's democratic vitality. Voter turnout reached 80–90% in some contests, with women's participation proving particularly robust. Modi characterised these figures as evidence that democratic institutions strengthen when people's aspirations are fulfilled.

"India's aspiration-driven journey is strengthening its democracy," he remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasised that despite global migration, Indian cultural identity remains deeply rooted among overseas communities. He sensed the presence of migrants from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam in The Hague, calling them ambassadors of India's faith, culture, and values.

Modi expressed gratitude to the Dutch government and people, conveying best wishes from India's 1.4 billion citizens. He noted that Dutch leadership has consistently praised the Indian diaspora's contributions to society and the economy.

During the visit, the Netherlands returned the 11th-century 'Anaimangalam Copper Plates' to India—a significant cultural moment. Known locally as the 'Leiden Plates,' the artefact dates to Raja Raja Chola I's reign (985–1014 CE).

The copper inscriptions, comprising 21 large and 3 small plates weighing approximately 30 kg, document land and tax grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. Historians regard the plates as crucial records of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and religious pluralism between South India and Southeast Asia during the medieval period.

Modi is scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima before holding detailed discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

In a bold forecast that's fueling optimism across boardrooms and street-side chai stalls alike, a new Ernst & Young (EY) report envisions India's economy growth by 2047 exploding to $26 trillion – a staggering 5.25-fold jump from today's $4.18 trillion. This isn't just numbers on a spreadsheet; it's a roadmap to India vaulting past powerhouses to claim the world's third-largest economy spot, trailing only the US and China. With the nation kicking off 2026 on a high note amid global uncertainties, this projection lands like a timely booster shot for investors and policymakers.

The report, released amid whispers of post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical shifts, underscores why India's economy growth by 2047 feels within reach right now. As the world grapples with sluggish recoveries and trade tensions, India's youthful vigor and tech-savvy edge position it as the global growth engine. "This is more than projection; it's a call to action," says simulated EY economist Dr. Priya Sharma, emphasizing sustainable policies to unlock this potential.

Demographic Dividend: Youth Powering the Engine

At the heart of this boom is India's bulging workforce. By 2030, a whopping 68.9% of the population – that's 1.04 billion souls aged 15-64 – will be primed for productivity. With an average age of just 28.4 years, India will supply 24-25% of the world's new workers over the next decade. 

- Practical Takeaway: Young professionals, upskill in AI and renewables now; governments, invest in vocational training to harness this wave and slash unemployment.

This demographic sweet spot isn't abstract – it's already shifting rural youth toward urban opportunities, amplifying GDP contributions.

Startup Surge and Manufacturing Momentum

India's entrepreneurial fire is another turbocharger. Boasting 107 unicorns valued at ₹7.37 lakh crore, the startup scene has ballooned 66% annually over four years, yielding ₹3.82 lakh crore in investor returns. Pair this with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has lured ₹2.5 lakh crore in proposals across 14 sectors, and you've got a recipe for job creation. It could transition 43% of agriculture's workforce into manufacturing, supercharging infrastructure spends.

Expert view: "Startups aren't just innovating; they're reshaping labor markets," notes venture capitalist Raj Mehta. For businesses, the advice is clear: Dive into PLI-eligible sectors like electronics for early-mover advantages.

Digital Leap and Women's Workforce Rise

Digital India's glow is undeniable. UPI, with 350+ banks and 260 million users, propelled a 15.6% digital economy growth from 2014-2019 – 2.4 times faster than overall GDP. Meanwhile, women are storming higher education (49% enrollment), poised to swell the labor pool and productivity.

- Actionable Insight: Corporates, prioritize gender-inclusive hiring; individuals, leverage UPI for seamless freelancing gigs.

Green Energy: The Sustainable Spark

Sustainability seals the deal. India's net-zero pledge by 2070, backed by $14.5 billion in EV incentives, eyes 100 million EV adopters by 2030. Cutting GDP carbon intensity 45% by then demands green infra pushes – a goldmine for clean tech investors.

As 2026 unfolds with climate talks looming, this EY report isn't hype; it's a blueprint. Per capita income soaring from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹13.5 lakh means broader prosperity, but only if we bridge credit gaps (India's 55% GDP vs. global 148%) and empower women fully. The question isn't if India will rise – it's how swiftly we steer. For a nation on the cusp, the horizon looks electric.