Mohali, India — The Punjab government has launched the Punjab Investor Circle and Startup Punjab Hub–Neuron 2.0, two initiatives aimed at improving startups’ access to investment, deep-tech incubation, advanced skilling and technology infrastructure across the state.
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora launched the initiatives on July 9, 2026, at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology in Mohali. The event was organised by Startup Punjab and brought together entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, industry leaders, mentors and government representatives.
The Punjab Investor Circle has been established as a long-term platform connecting high-potential startups with venture capital firms, investors, industry executives and other startup ecosystem participants. Through the initiative, emerging businesses will be able to present their growth plans, explore funding opportunities and receive strategic guidance from investors and industry mentors.
Startup Punjab Hub–Neuron 2.0 is an upgraded version of the state’s existing Neuron incubation programme. The new initiative will focus on deep-tech incubation, advanced technical training and the establishment of a dedicated cybersecurity laboratory. It will also strengthen the infrastructure available to technology entrepreneurs working in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, the Internet of Things and other emerging technologies.
During the launch event, 14 startups operating across information technology, healthcare, agritech, manufacturing and deep technology presented their products and business plans before investors and mentors. The pitching and networking sessions were designed to help the participating companies explore funding, mentorship and long-term commercial partnerships.
According to the state government, Punjab is home to more than 2,500 startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Startup Punjab has provided seed funding exceeding ₹6.8 crore to more than 222 startups. Nearly half of the recognised startups in the state have at least one woman director.
The original Neuron programme incubated 114 technology startups, supported 67 intellectual property filings and contributed to the creation of nearly 2,700 jobs. Startups supported under the programme have achieved a combined valuation of approximately ₹890 crore, according to figures shared during the launch.
Startup Punjab is the state government’s nodal initiative for supporting entrepreneurship through policy incentives, seed funding, incubation, mentorship and investor connections. The Punjab Investor Circle and Neuron 2.0 are expected to expand this support framework and strengthen Mohali’s position as a technology and startup hub.
