Chandigarh: The Greater Chandigarh Region (GCR) is rapidly positioning itself as a premier startup destination in India, driven by a unique blend of strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and an exceptional talent pool from leading universities. As the region gains momentum, collaborative efforts between government bodies, educational institutions, and industry leaders are paving the way for innovation and growth. The CII Chandigarh Startup Conclave 2024, organised today at the CII Northern Region Headquarters, showcased these strengths, emphasizing the need for continued support through financial incentives and robust infrastructure to realize GCR’s vision as a startup powerhouse.
The Chandigarh Startup Conclave 2024, a pivotal event in the region's entrepreneurial calendar, brought together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, government representatives, and startup founders, to discuss and deliberate on the future of the Greater Chandigarh Region (GCR) as a leading startup hub in India. The event highlighted the region's emerging status, and the collective efforts required to sustain and accelerate this growth.
During his address at the conclave, Mr Anurag Gupta, Chairman, CII Chandigarh UT & Managing Director, Usha Yarns Ltd, said, “In the Greater Chandigarh Region, a combination of government initiatives, educational institutions, and a growing network of incubators fosters a thriving environment for innovation. Despite challenges such as limited access to venture capital and intense market competition, the region's dynamic community and robust support systems are driving sustained growth. By offering financial incentives, developing infrastructure, and promoting skill development, we can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, lowering barriers for new startups and aiding the growth of established ones. This approach positions the Greater Chandigarh Region as a significant player in India's startup landscape.”
Mr Partap K Aggarwal, Co-Chair, CII Northern Region Committee on Startups and Entrepreneurship and Managing Director, IDS Infotech Ltd also highlighted, “The CII Northern Region Committee on Startups and Entrepreneurship is essential in driving innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Northern India. It unites industry leaders and innovators to strengthen the startup ecosystem through strategic collaboration. The committee addresses challenges, creates opportunities, and implements initiatives to empower entrepreneurs, fostering a dynamic environment for business success.”
Dr Madhu Chitkara, Conclave Co-Chair and Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, delivered a compelling address that underscored the critical role that the region can play in driving India's innovation landscape, given its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and talented pool of graduates from esteemed institutions.
In her address, Dr Chitkara highlighted the importance of collaboration between government bodies, academia, and the private sector to create a thriving startup ecosystem. She emphasized the need for financial incentives such as seed funding grants, tax breaks, and credits that can provide the much-needed support for startups in their early stages. She also spoke about the necessity of building a skilled workforce through continuous skill development and education programs, in collaboration with industry leaders.
Mr Prateek Garg, Chair, CII Northern Region Committee on Startups & Entrepreneurship and Chairman & Managing Director, Progressive Infotech (P) Limited said “The strength of India’s startup ecosystem lies in its diversity and resilience. As Chairman of the CII NR Committee on Startup and Entrepreneurship, my role is to ensure that every entrepreneur has the support needed to turn bold ideas into impactful businesses. We are focused on building a collaborative environment where startups can thrive, scale, and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic progress. The journey ahead is exciting, and together, we will drive the next wave of entrepreneurial growth.”
During the Inaugural Session, Ms Hargunjit Kaur, Secretary – Industries, Chandigarh Administration, said, “Chandigarh UT has a very interesting demographic, and keeping this in view, the administration is deeply committed to creating an all-inclusive startup-enabling ecosystem. We understand that for entrepreneurship to flourish, it needs a nurturing ecosystem that provides access to resources, mentorship, and networks. I am excited to share that Chandigarh Startup Policy is at a very advanced stage, and we have done comprehensive stakeholder consultations and expert opinions have been incorporated. So as and when the startup policy sees the light of the day, I hope it will be a game changer for Chandigarh. We look forward to be able to develop Chandigarh as a preferred startup destination for entrepreneurs.”
In his closing remarks, Vice chairman, CII Chandigarh UT & Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Agnext Technologied Pvt Ltd, Mr Taranjeet Bhamra, said, “The Union Territory’ startup ecosystem primarily focuses on Information Technology and will be nurtured through strategic investments, policy interventions, strong educational infrastructure and by leveraging the city's entrepreneurial spirit.”