'India ready to lead new possibilities': PM Modi at Bharat Innovates 2026 launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, marking a major step in strengthening innovation and technology cooperation between the two countries.

The initiative, launched under the India-France Year of Innovation, aims to connect India's fast-growing startup ecosystem with global investors, research institutions, industry leaders and technology experts.

The event brings together around 120 Indian innovators, nearly 15 higher education institutions, more than 500 investors, venture capital firms, leading corporates, global CEOs and technology leaders.

The launch reflects the growing importance of innovation in the India-France partnership and highlights the increasing global interest in India's startup ecosystem.

Platform for India's emerging innovators

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said India and France have consistently worked together to address common global challenges. He noted that the India-France Year of Innovation, launched earlier this year, has provided a strong platform to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies and entrepreneurship.

More from India

Expressing gratitude to President Macron for his support, PM Modi said that the French leader's partnership has brought fresh energy and direction to bilateral ties.

The PM described Bharat Innovates 2026 as an opportunity to showcase the creativity, confidence and ambition of a new India. He said that the event highlights the country's growing strength in innovation and technology-driven development.

India's startup revolution

PM Modi said that India is witnessing a startup revolution, with innovation increasingly becoming a key driver of economic growth. He praised the young entrepreneurs participating in the event, saying they have chosen to create new pathways rather than follow conventional approaches.

According to the Prime Minister, the nearly 100 startups represented at the event offer only a glimpse of India's broader innovation ecosystem. He pointed out that India is now home to more than 200,000 startups, making it one of the world's largest startup hubs.

He said that these enterprises are contributing not only to India's economic growth but also to global innovation and development.

Focus on emerging technologies

Highlighting the changing global landscape, PM Modi said that the current decade is defined by both disruption and development. While the world faces challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, instability and climate change, it is also witnessing rapid technological transformation.

The PM said that technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging fields are reshaping industries and influencing the future direction of human progress.

He emphasised that India is well-positioned to play a leading role in this transformation due to its talent, innovation capacity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Bharat Innovates 2026 is expected to serve as a key platform for fostering international partnerships, attracting investment and expanding opportunities for Indian startups in global markets.