Union Minister for Education Shri Pralhad Joshi has underscored the importance of innovation, research, technology and entrepreneurship in shaping India’s development trajectory, saying that these areas have remained central to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India. He made the remarks in New Delhi during the release of the Bharat Innovates 2026 Commemorative Publication, which documents the first edition of the initiative held in Nice, France, from June 14 to 16, 2026.
The maiden edition of Bharat Innovates was organised under the broader framework of the India-France Year of Innovation. The initiative brought together emerging innovators, researchers, startups and institutions from across India, giving them an opportunity to present their technologies before international audiences and engage with industry and investment networks.
Creating Global Opportunities for Young Innovators
Addressing the gathering, Shri Joshi said Bharat Innovates reflected the government’s efforts to provide young innovators with platforms where their ideas could move beyond laboratories and campuses and connect with global stakeholders.
He noted that such initiatives demonstrate the confidence and aspirations of India’s young population while showcasing the strength of the country’s higher education and research ecosystem. According to the Minister, meaningful opportunities, industry linkages and international networks can help young talent convert innovative ideas into solutions with wider social and economic impact.
The initiative also highlights India’s growing capacity to develop technologies capable of competing in international markets. By bringing innovators closer to companies, investors and other stakeholders, Bharat Innovates aims to strengthen the pathway between research and commercial application.
Higher Education Institutions as Drivers of Innovation
Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar highlighted the role of higher education institutions in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has placed significant emphasis on research, innovation, creativity and the development of scientific temper.
Initiatives such as Bharat Innovates, he added, provide practical platforms through which these priorities can be transformed into tangible outcomes. Universities and research institutions can therefore play a crucial role in nurturing students and researchers whose innovations address emerging technological and societal challenges.
120 Deep-Tech Startups and 45 Research Projects
Bharat Innovates is an initiative of the Ministry of Education designed to identify and nurture high-potential deep-tech innovations emerging from India’s higher education and research institutions.
The programme seeks to establish stronger connections between innovators and industry, investors and other ecosystem participants. It also aims to facilitate technology translation, encourage international partnerships and provide Indian innovators with greater exposure to global markets and supply chains.
The inaugural edition featured 120 deep-tech startups and innovators along with 45 research projects from different parts of the country. Participants were able to showcase their technologies, interact with potential investors and industry representatives, and explore possibilities for international collaboration and market expansion.
From Laboratory to Market
A key objective of Bharat Innovates is to establish a seamless journey from laboratory to market and campus to the world. The programme seeks to bridge the gap between promising research and real-world applications by creating opportunities for innovators to access expertise, investment, partnerships and international networks.
The commemorative publication traces this journey from the identification and selection of promising deep-tech innovators in India to their presentation on an international platform in Nice. It also records the interactions, engagements and outcomes associated with the initiative.
The publication showcases the scientific capabilities and entrepreneurial energy of Indian students, researchers, faculty members, startups, higher education institutions and ecosystem partners.
Senior Officials and Institutions Participate
The event was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, NITI Aayog Member Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of Higher Education Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukerjee and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
Directors of IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras and IIT Bombay, along with senior academicians and representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Defence Production and IN-SPACe, also participated in the programme virtually.
Bharat Innovates 2026 thus marks an important step towards strengthening India’s deep-tech ecosystem and connecting the country’s research and innovation capabilities with global opportunities.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
