Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly launched Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, signalling deeper cooperation between the two countries in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
The progress highlights India’s growing startup ecosystem, which is taking centre stage globally. The event brought together Indian startups, investors, researchers, venture capital firms and policymakers.
The platform offers a global platform for emerging businesses working across sectors such as AI, semiconductors, space technology, healthcare, climate solutions and advanced manufacturing.
More than 120 Indian startups and several leading academic institutions are participating in the three-day showcase.
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Bharat Innovates Takes Indian Startups to a Global Audience
Speaking at the inauguration, PM Modi said India is witnessing a strong, startup-led transformation, driven by young entrepreneurs developing practical solutions to global challenges.
He noted that the purpose of Bharat Innovates is to present these innovations to international investors and partners while strengthening India’s position as a source of technology and innovation rather than simply a consumer.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the growing role of Indian startups in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to rural development.
“Innovation has become a key pillar of the country’s economic growth story.”
– added PM Narendra Modi
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India-France Partnership Expands Beyond Trade
French President Emmanuel Macron also described India as one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. He said France is keen to deepen its collaboration with India in emerging technologies.
The two leaders emphasised that shared ambitions in research, technology and innovation are increasingly shaping the India-France relationship.
The launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 forms part of the broader India-France Year of Innovation initiative, which aims to connect Indian talent and startups with global capital, research institutions and industry leaders.
More than 500 investors and several international technology stakeholders are expected to engage with participating companies during the event.
A major focus of the conclave is deep-tech innovation, including AI, biotechnology, advanced computing, energy, defence technologies and space applications.
The platform is an opportunity to accelerate international partnerships and attract investment into India’s rapidly expanding innovation economy. Bharat Innovates reflects a broader shift in India’s startup narrative.
The conversation is moving beyond funding rounds and valuations towards global partnerships, commercial applications and technology-led growth. For investors and founders alike, the event offers an early indication of where the next wave of innovation opportunities may emerge.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
