Punjab to become most startup-friendly state in North India, says Minister Arora

TiE Chandigarh organised Startup & Innovation Conclave-2025, an insightful evening with founders, industry leaders and innovators.

The conclave was powered by AU Small Finance Bank and supported by Startup Punjab. TiE Chandigarh president Puneet Verma spoke about the various activities and achievements of the TiE’s Chandigarh Chapter. He added, “The prize money, which is being distributed among 24 statup teams of TiEU and TiE women, is being funded by US-based Ranbir Singh, through his charitable trust.”

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora was the chief guest on the occasion and Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, was the guest of honour.

Arora congratulated Verma and his team for hosting the event.

“We are doing our best as far as startups are concerned. We are doing a lot to encourage industries, and bring in investment. Our goal is to become the most startup-friendly state in North India. We are going to have fast decisions, transparent policies and strong ecosystem support for startups,” the minister said.

The minister said the state had a strategic location and connectivity, and a powerful NRI and diaspora network which could help startups. “I request TiE members to visit South Korea’s ‘Silicon Valley’, a major tech hub near Seoul. The Punjab Government plans the same ecosystem in Mohali and will tie-up with TiE for it,” he concluded.

Smeriglio congratulated the winners of women and TiE university programmes, adding that the region held a global potential. She stressed on the partnership between the UK and startups in the region.

Experts also took part in a panel discussion on ‘Academia–Industry Collaboration for Innovation’.