Rajasthan CM Calls Innovation the Engine of Growth at Startup Conclave

Jaipur, Dec 2025 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that innovation begins with curiosity, and in a fast-changing world, innovation is the true engine powering economic and social growth. He emphasized that the state and nation will progress only when the youth move forward. It is encouraging, he said, that Rajasthan’s youth are making their mark in technology. He urged young innovators to step forward, assuring that the government stands firmly with them to make Rajasthan a global leader in technology and innovation.

Sharma was addressing the Innovation Day–Startup Conclave at the Rajasthan International Centre on Friday, held as part of the events marking two years of the state government. He described the day as a celebration of creativity, scientific thinking, and innovation, showcasing Rajasthan’s rapid advancement in digital technology.

Over 7,200 startups registered under iStart Rajasthan

The Chief Minister highlighted that government initiatives in IT, digital governance reforms, and district-level innovation efforts have opened a new chapter of technological growth in Rajasthan. Through iStart Rajasthan, more than 7,200 startups have registered, attracting investments of over ₹1,000 crore and generating more than 42,500 jobs. These startups are helping shape emerging industries and create employment opportunities.

Women lead 2,600 startups

Sharma noted that women are enthusiastically stepping into entrepreneurship, leading over 2,600 startups registered on the iStart platform, while 288 startups are led by student innovators. Student registrations have crossed 1.16 lakh. Successful startups, he said, will not only drive innovation but also empower youth to become global leaders.

Rajasthan DigiFest to boost global collaboration

He announced a ₹15-crore provision for Rajasthan DigiFest in the 2025–26 budget. The event, to be held in January 2026 in Jaipur in collaboration with TiE Global Summit, will serve as a major platform for technology, entrepreneurship, and global partnerships. It is expected to host over 10,000 participants, 500 investors, 300 exhibitors, 200 speakers, 100 sessions, and 100 startup pitches.

The CM said various policies and programs—including incubation centres, Atal Innovation Studio & Accelerator, the AVGC-XR policy, and the LEAP (Learn, Earn and Progress) program—are creating new opportunities for youth.

Rising Rajasthan strengthens investment confidence

Three Centres for Advanced Skilling are being set up to train youth in new technologies. Under the State Skill Policy, the government aims to train 1.5 lakh young people in two years. Sharma said Rajasthan is emerging as a major investment destination, with the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit securing MoUs worth over ₹35 lakh crore, of which projects worth ₹8 lakh crore have begun implementation.

So far, 92,000 government jobs and over 2.5 lakh private-sector jobs have been provided. A new youth policy is also in the works.

The Chief Minister said Rajasthan is a treasure of innovation, aiming to build a $350-billion economy by 2030, backed by major reforms and policies that boost investment across renewable energy, waste-to-energy, tourism, mining, automobiles, and textiles.

During the event, 333 selected startups received funding of ₹10.79 crore. The CM also launched the teaser of Rajasthan DigiFest and its hackathon.