He noted that a notable prize fund for 24 startup teams.

Punjab Aims to Become North India’s Leading Startup Hub: Minister Sanjeev Arora

Industry and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora said on Monday that Punjab is positioning itself as a leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship in North India and the state government is committed to building a supportive ecosystem for startups. The announcement was made at the Startup & Innovation Conclave 2025. The event was organised by TiE Chandigarh, which brought together founders, investors, industry experts and ecosystem enablers to discuss growth, challenges and collaboration opportunities for emerging enterprises.

The minister addressed delegates at the event and underscored the government’s determination to make Punjab the most startup-friendly state in North India. He said the state was “doing its best as far as startups are concerned” and highlighted that policy support, investment facilitation and transparent decision-making would be central to this vision. He emphasised the need for fast decisions, clear policies and a strong ecosystem to make Punjab a competitive hub for new ventures.

The minister also acknowledged the role of strategic partnerships and industry networks. He stated that Punjab’s geographic advantages, connectivity and strong global diaspora could be leveraged to attract investment and talent. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of TiE Chandigarh in nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering global linkages for startups.

Puneet Verma, President of TiE Chandigarh, shared insights into the organisation’s work and highlighted philanthropic contributions supporting early-stage startups. He noted that a notable prize fund for 24 startup teams, drawn from both the TiE University (TiEU) and TiE Women programmes, was made possible through support from a US-based charitable trust.

British Deputy High Commissioner to Chandigarh Alba Smeriglio, the guest of honour at the conclave, congratulated participants and stressed the region’s potential on the global stage. She highlighted the importance of international partnerships in strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems and urged closer collaboration to build bridges of opportunity for startups in Punjab.

The conclave served as a platform to showcase Punjab’s startup progress and reiterate the state’s ambition to become North India’s go-to startup destination, supported by proactive governance and inclusive ecosystem initiatives.

Source: Hindustan Times