New Delhi, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi government is intensifying efforts to establish the national capital as a leading startup hub in India. To this end, officials convened a high-level meeting with startup founders, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives to gather suggestions for the “Delhi Startup and Incubation Policy 2026.”
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Education Minister Ashish Sood participated in the meeting held on Sunday, discussing ways to make the policy more practical and effective for entrepreneurs. A key focus of the discussions was on strengthening the startup ecosystem within universities, colleges, and schools, as well as creating the necessary infrastructure to support new businesses.
Following the meeting, Chief Minister Gupta addressed the media, revealing that a roadmap has been developed for establishing incubation centers in educational institutions and enhancing startup infrastructure. The aim of the Delhi Startup and Incubation Policy 2026 is to create a supportive ecosystem for startups in educational settings.
Gupta emphasized that prominent founders, CEOs, and industry representatives shared valuable experiences and suggestions with the government. The government’s goal extends beyond merely increasing the number of new companies in Delhi; it seeks to foster an environment where young innovators can thrive, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Education Minister Sood highlighted the government’s commitment to continuous dialogue with the industry to implement the startup policy effectively. He noted that recent discussions aimed to learn from entrepreneurs who have successfully launched businesses in Delhi.
Sood stated that the Delhi government aims to support over 10,000 startups during its tenure, with the broader objective of generating more than 400,000 job opportunities for the youth. He stressed that a robust startup culture can significantly impact employment by promoting innovation and supporting an economy driven by new ideas and technologies.
Entrepreneurs who participated in the discussions expressed their support for the initiative. Akash Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Zip Electric, described the meetings with the government as a crucial step toward making Delhi a prominent startup destination. He underscored the importance of encouraging young entrepreneurs and providing mentorship to first-time founders, which could greatly benefit college students looking to turn their ideas into businesses.
Puneet Gupta, founder and CEO of Astrotalk, welcomed the government’s decision to seek direct feedback from startup founders. He shared that his company had considered starting operations in Delhi previously but found the conditions unfavorable at that time. However, recent discussions indicated that the government is now more serious about supporting the startup sector and is willing to collaborate with entrepreneurs.
Puneet Gupta pointed out that regular engagement with the industry could help the government formulate policies that address the real challenges businesses face. He emphasized the importance of job creation in driving economic growth, noting that increased employment leads to higher income and consumption, resulting in a significant economic multiplier effect. He believes that the support provided to startups today could yield substantial economic benefits in the next five to ten years.
Swati Bhargav, co-founder of Cashkaro and EarnKaro, also praised the government’s initiative to engage directly with entrepreneurs. She noted that the Chief Minister and Education Minister took time to meet with a large group of startup founders to listen to their concerns and suggestions. Bhargav remarked that this engagement signals a positive intent from the government to involve entrepreneurs actively in the policymaking process, leading to more practical and effective solutions.
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