Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem during the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice, France, on Sunday. He emphasized that the country's reform momentum would persist, driving innovation-led growth.
Bharat Innovates 2026 Conclave
Speaking at the inauguration alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi highlighted India's innovation journey over the past 11-12 years. He noted that sustained policy support and institutional initiatives have built a robust ecosystem, from patent filings to incubation networks under the Startup India mission.
"Today, India is the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world," the Prime Minister said, adding that the vision extends beyond metropolitan cities to grassroots innovators.
Grassroots and Women Empowerment
PM Modi mentioned Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, hackathons, innovation challenges, and expanded incubators and research institutions. He specifically highlighted the role of women: "From Drone Didis to startup founders, our women power is writing new success stories."
Defence and Nuclear Reforms
The Prime Minister noted that India's defence sector has been opened to young entrepreneurs, with hundreds of startups now working in defence and space. Recent reforms in nuclear energy have created opportunities in clean energy, advanced reactors, and frontier research.
"This express train of reforms will not stop; it will continue to move forward. The number of startups will multiply many times over," PM Modi asserted.
India-France Collaboration
Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that Bharat Innovates 2026 showcases India's thriving startup ecosystem, now with over 230,000 startups, as a reliable partner for global growth. The conclave aims to deepen innovation partnerships between India and France.
