Chandigarh: The Punjab government has signed an agreement with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to establish Startup Punjab Hub–Neuron 2.0, a ₹29-crore technology incubation centre at STPI Mohali, in a fresh push to strengthen the state’s start-up and emerging-technology ecosystem.
The facility will focus on cybersecurity and next-generation start-ups, while also supporting technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) and audio-visual graphics. The upgraded Neuron initiative is intended to provide start-ups with incubation, mentoring, advanced infrastructure and opportunities to connect with industry and investors.
₹29 Crore Investment to Drive Neuron 2.0
The project will be backed by contributions from both the Punjab government and STPI.
- ₹29 crore: Total project investment
- ₹12 crore: In-principle support from Punjab government
- ₹17 crore: STPI contribution
- 50 start-ups: Targeted for incubation over five years
- 2,000 professionals: To be trained through structured programmes
The facility will be operated and managed by STPI, which will also support activities including hackathons, bootcamps, outreach programmes and investor-connect events.
Cybersecurity Lab to Anchor New Technology Hub
A dedicated cybersecurity laboratory is planned as a major component of Neuron 2.0.
The facility is expected to support start-ups working on product development, testing and experimentation, while giving entrepreneurs access to specialised infrastructure.
Key technology areas
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence
- Data analytics
- Internet of Things
- Audio-visual graphics
- Deep-tech applications
- Emerging digital technologies
The existing STPI NEURON centre in Mohali already operates as a Centre of Entrepreneurship focused on AI/Data Analytics, IoT and audio-visual graphics, providing incubation infrastructure and industry and academic linkages.
Neuron 2.0 Builds on Earlier Start-Up Programme
Neuron 2.0 is an upgraded version of Punjab’s earlier Neuron initiative.
The first programme supported 114 technology start-ups and generated nearly 2,700 jobs, according to figures cited by the state government during the launch of Neuron 2.0 in July.
Start-ups supported through the earlier initiative have reportedly attracted around ₹251 crore in investments and have a combined valuation of approximately ₹2,890 crore. These figures were cited by the Punjab government in announcing the new initiative.
Training to Cover Foundation to Expert Levels
Neuron 2.0 will combine incubation support with structured skill-development programmes.
The training is expected to be offered at foundation, intermediate and expert levels, with opportunities also extended to students from government and government-aided schools and colleges.
The initiative is therefore intended to build both the start-up pipeline and the skilled workforce required for emerging technology sectors.
STPI to Operate and Manage Facility
Under the partnership, STPI will operate and manage the facility and maintain the cybersecurity laboratory.
It will also organise activities such as:
- Hackathons
- Bootcamps
- Outreach programmes
- Investor-connect events
- Technology and skill-development programmes
Startup Punjab, meanwhile, will support start-up outreach, mentoring and ecosystem development and connect the facility with government departments, educational institutions and industry bodies.
Mohali’s Existing Technology Incubation Base
The new initiative builds upon the existing NEURON ecosystem at STPI Mohali. STPI describes NEURON as a Centre of Entrepreneurship established in collaboration with MeitY, the Government of Punjab, ISB-Mohali and Punjab Technical University, with a focus on AI/Data Analytics, IoT and audio-visual graphics.
With Neuron 2.0, Punjab is now expanding the initiative’s focus to cybersecurity and next-generation technology start-ups, while setting targets for incubation and professional training over the next five years.
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