CM reviews new Startup Policy-2026 to prepare Uttar Pradesh as the country’s leading startup destination

Need to constitute a mission to strengthen the startup ecosystem: Chief Minister

Youth should become job creators, not job seekers; CM emphasizes giving new momentum to an innovation-driven economy

Special encouragement to be provided for AI, quantum technology, robotics and deep-tech sectors

New policy to enhance financial incentives for startups, with focus on matching grants, interest subsidies and accelerator support

New policy should include special incentives for women entrepreneurs, economically weaker sections, persons with disabilities, transgender entrepreneurs, and startups from Purvanchal and Bundelkhand regions: Chief Minister

Innovation culture to expand significantly through Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission and a stronger institutional framework: Chief Minister

Uttar Pradesh was an ‘Aspiring Leader’ in 2018 and became a ‘Top Performer’ in 2025

Lucknow, June 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to prepare the new Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026 with the objective of making Uttar Pradesh the country’s leading startup destination.

He said, “The state’s young population, vast market, rapidly developing digital and industrial base, and investor-friendly environment have the potential to make Uttar Pradesh a national hub of innovation-driven economic growth. The new policy should empower the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers and give Uttar Pradesh a new identity in the fields of startups and innovation.”

During an important meeting on Sunday, the Chief Minister reviewed various provisions proposed under the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026. The Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, informed the Chief Minister that the state has achieved significant success in developing its startup ecosystem over the past few years. From being placed in the ‘Aspiring Leader’ category in 2018, Uttar Pradesh has progressed to the ‘Top Performer’ category in the Government of India’s Startup Ranking 2025.

The Chief Minister said, “Startups in the state should receive the necessary support at every stage, from inception to expansion and global competitiveness.”

He directed that provisions related to sustenance allowance, prototype grants, seed capital assistance, and incentives for patents and quality certifications should be made more effective in the new policy. Suitable provisions should also be included to provide special incentives to women entrepreneurs, economically weaker sections, persons with disabilities, transgender entrepreneurs, and startups from Purvanchal and Bundelkhand.

The Chief Minister said, “Startups should be connected with high-quality accelerator programmes, investors, industry partners and research institutions to make them competitive at the national and global levels. The new policy should include provisions that enable startups to access mentorship, investment, technical support and new markets.”

The Chief Minister said, “Uttar Pradesh must play a leading role in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, Robotics, Semiconductors, Aerospace, Space Technology, Health-Tech and other emerging technologies. Special incentives should be provided to deep-tech startups, and an effective mechanism should be developed to promote research-based innovation.”

He directed that the number of Centres of Excellence in the state be increased and aligned with future technologies. Strong coordination should be established among universities, technical institutions, research centres and industry to ensure that innovation moves from laboratories to the marketplace. He also emphasized developing the proposed U-Hubs in Lucknow and Noida as major centres for deep-tech innovation.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister said, “Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable progress in developing its startup ecosystem over the past few years, but a dedicated institutional mechanism is needed to make it more robust, organized and result-oriented.”

He stated that the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission is necessary to ensure effective management of startup activities, promotion, financial administration, monitoring, capacity building and coordination among various stakeholders.

The Chief Minister said, “The proposed Mission would not only promote innovation and entrepreneurship but also serve as an effective mechanism for implementing the state’s startup policy. It would provide better support to young innovators in transforming their ideas into enterprises and help them become job creators instead of job seekers.”

He also directed that the Mission should operate through a professional, transparent and accountable framework to build a strong and inclusive startup ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.