Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive Startup Policy-2026 aimed at transforming Uttar Pradesh into a leading startup and innovation hub in India. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held on Sunday in Lucknow, where the Chief Minister reviewed key provisions of the proposed policy.
The initiative is designed to position Uttar Pradesh as a national center of innovation-driven economic growth by leveraging its large youth population, expanding industrial base, strong digital infrastructure, and investor-friendly environment.
Vision: Transform Uttar Pradesh into a Startup Powerhouse
The Chief Minister emphasized that the new policy should ensure that the youth of the state become job creators rather than job seekers. He said Uttar Pradesh has the potential to become a national leader in innovation-based development due to its strong demographic advantage and rapidly growing economy.
He directed officials to design a policy that gives the state a distinct identity in the field of startups and innovation.
Major Progress in Uttar Pradesh Startup Ecosystem
During the meeting, senior officials from the Department of IT and Electronics briefed the Chief Minister on the state’s achievements in the startup sector. Uttar Pradesh has shown significant progress in recent years:
- In 2018, the state was classified under the “Aspiring Leader” category
- By 2025, it has reached the “Top Performer” category in the Government of India’s startup rankings
This growth reflects the rapid expansion of the startup ecosystem across the state.
Strong Financial and Institutional Support Proposed
The Chief Minister directed that the new policy must include strong support mechanisms for startups at every stage of growth, from idea development to global expansion.
Key proposed support measures include:
- Living allowance for early-stage entrepreneurs
- Prototype development grants
- Seed capital assistance
- Incentives for patents and quality certification
He also stressed the need for improved access to funding, mentorship, and advanced incubation facilities.
Focus on Inclusive Startup Growth
Special emphasis was laid on ensuring inclusive participation in the startup ecosystem. The Chief Minister directed that targeted support should be provided to:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Economically weaker sections
- Persons with disabilities
- Transgender entrepreneurs
- Startups from Purvanchal and Bundelkhand regions
The aim is to create a balanced and equitable innovation ecosystem across the state.
Promotion of Deep-Tech and Emerging Technologies
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in advanced technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Quantum Technology
- Robotics
- Semiconductor technology
- Aerospace and Space technology
- Health-tech and other emerging sectors
He instructed that deep-tech startups should receive special incentives to promote research-driven innovation.
Strengthening Innovation Infrastructure and CoEs
To support long-term innovation, the Chief Minister directed an expansion of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across the state. He emphasized stronger collaboration between:
- Universities
- Technical institutions
- Research organizations
- Industry partners
He also suggested that innovation should be effectively transferred from laboratories to the market through structured support systems.
Development of U-Hubs in Lucknow and Noida
The Chief Minister instructed that proposed U-Hubs in Lucknow and Noida should be developed as major centers for deep-tech innovation. These hubs will provide startups with access to infrastructure, mentorship, investors, and advanced research facilities.
Building a Professional and Transparent Startup Ecosystem
Yogi Adityanath stressed that the implementation of Startup Policy-2026 must be:
- Professional
- Transparent
- Accountable
He reiterated that the goal is to build a strong and inclusive startup ecosystem that enables youth to become successful entrepreneurs and global innovators.
