Education Minister Unveils Bharat Innovates to Boost Startups

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on June 12, 2026, unveiled two strategic documents under the 'Bharat Innovates' initiative, aimed at showcasing India's growing innovation and startup ecosystem. The event, held in New Delhi, highlighted the role of higher education and research institutions in fostering innovation.

The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to transform India into a knowledge-creating nation. The documents include a startup compendium profiling 120 high-potential startups and a report on 50 advanced research projects from institutions like IITs and IISc. These startups and projects span critical sectors such as space, biotechnology, and quantum computing.

Bharat Innovates is also creating global opportunities for Indian startups. The initiative has already attracted nearly USD 20 million in investment commitments and is connecting startups with global investors managing over USD 3 trillion in assets. Roadshows in Paris, Tokyo, and Bengaluru have further strengthened international engagement.

The program is part of the India-France Year of Innovation and will culminate in the Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice, France, from June 14-16. This event will feature 120 deep-tech innovators and 15 premier institutions, collectively holding over 1,500 patents and having raised USD 1.5 billion.

Minister Pradhan emphasized that Bharat Innovates reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an innovation-led 'Viksit Bharat' and serves as a platform for global collaboration in technology and research.

Source: Press Information Bureau (Govt. of India) press release, 12 JUN 2026. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2272273