TiECON 2025: Punjab startup ecosystem in focus on concluding day

The TiECON 2025, aimed to reinforce Punjab’s reputation as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, concluded today. The event, brought together policymakers, industry leaders and startup founders to discuss the future of business, finance, and sports.

Punjab’s Industries and IT Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, announced a significant boost for startups, unveiling an additional Rs 10 lakh grant for those performing beyond the incubation stage.

During the event held at the Hyatt Regency, the minister also proposed an integrated online service across departments to fast-track approvals for new businesses.

“Punjab has been ranked number one in the country for Ease of Business, and we are committed to ensuring our entrepreneurs succeed,” he emphasised.

Somdh credited Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership for fostering a pro-business environment and lauded TiECON for its role in mentoring and supporting startups.

Highlighting Punjab’s business potential, the minister revealed that Rs 90,000 crore worth of Common Application Forms (CAFs) had been signed, signifying real progress beyond mere agreements.

“Our government does not believe in signing MoUs just for show—we ensure they materialize into real projects,” he added.

A major topic of discussion during the event was the role of financial technology in bridging economic gaps. MobiKwik co-founder Bipin Preet Singh emphasised the need to expand fintech services to rural areas, saying, “A culture of savings among rural populations can drive innovation in the fintech sector.”

Singh also expressed hope for relaxed regulatory compliance to facilitate growth in digital finance.

Addressing India’s push towards a cashless economy, Singh pointed out that while reducing cash usage is beneficial, achieving a completely cashless economy remains a challenging goal.

Sports also took center stage at TiECON 2025, with IPL chairperson Arun Singh Dhumal talking on its role in holistic education.

“Success in life and sports requires adaptability, innovation, and focus,” he further remarked.

He highlighted how IPL has made cricket more accessible and turned it into India’s top “Make in India” brand post-independence. Dhumal also credited cricket’s expansion into smaller cities for strengthening India’s talent pool, with young players from non-metro areas making significant contributions.

TiECON 2025 showcased a surge in startups focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability. Among them, Greenu by Embryonic Greens gained attention for delivering 75 varieties of organic microgreens. Jaggercane, a Gurdaspur-based brand, introduced jaggery-based foods as a healthy alternative to refined sugar. Health Direct Nutriva promoted holistic wellness through personalised nutrition plans, while Sehatokart offered Ayurvedic and nutraceutical products.

Innovation continued with men’s grooming startup Fermeza, which introduced a patented fermented product for beard care. Millet Sister, another standout startup, capitalized on the superfood trend with a variety of millet-based snacks.