Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the 'Bharat Innovates 2026' conclave in Nice on Sunday, bringing together leading startups, innovators, and venture capital funds from India, France, and several other nations.
This high-profile event, which gathers top innovation startups from India, France, and around the world, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing 'India-France Year of Innovation' and highlights the rapidly expanding technology partnership between the two countries.
The three-day innovation conclave, running from June 14 to June 16, serves as a powerful platform to connect Indian innovators with global investors, industry leaders, and academic institutions.
The joint inauguration by PM Modi and President Macron underscores the growing importance of technology and innovation in the India-France relationship. In recent years, the two nations have deepened cooperation across sectors ranging from defence and space to digital technology and artificial intelligence.
More than 120 Indian deep-tech startups and over 15 leading higher education institutions, including premier IITs and other research organisations, are participating in the event.
While the conclave may not be as well-known as major global summits, diplomatic observers view it as a critical launchpad for India to showcase its deep-tech capabilities to a global audience, attract international funding, and secure vital partnerships in emerging technologies.
The event will spotlight cutting-edge innovations across future-focused domains such as advanced computing, semiconductors, space technology, defence innovation, biotechnology, healthcare, and climate solutions.
Prior to the launch, PM Modi interacted with leading venture capitalists, global investors, and innovation ecosystem leaders. Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal, along with Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood, were also present during the interaction.
Among those the Prime Minister interacted with were CEO of OYO Rooms, Ritesh Agarwal, and Indian entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala, along with several global investors and innovation ecosystem leaders.
PM Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday, marking the start of his visit to France that will also include engagements in Evian and Paris, aimed at deepening India's bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
The Nice leg also features the first bilateral summit between the two leaders since the elevation of bilateral ties earlier this year to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.
The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Macron in Nice, where the two leaders greeted each other with a hug and a handshake ahead of their key bilateral engagement and the joint launch of the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave.
PM Modi will depart for Slovakia for a historic bilateral visit from June 14-16, before returning to France for a two-day stay between June 16-18 to attend the high-stakes G7 Summit in Evian and conclude his visit in Paris.
