PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron Inaugurate ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ in Nice
India Showcases 120 Deep-Tech Startups and 20 Premier Institutes, Positioning Itself as a Global Innovation Hub
By Suman Munshi
Nice, France, June 14:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, jointly inaugurated “Bharat Innovates 2026” at the Palais des Expositions in Nice, marking a significant milestone in the growing India-France strategic partnership and India’s ambition to become a global technology and innovation powerhouse.
The three-day international event brings together Indian deep-tech startups, innovators, researchers, investors, venture capitalists, and global technology leaders, providing a platform to showcase India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem on the world stage.
120 Deep-Tech Startups Showcase India’s Technological Strength
The exhibition features 120 cutting-edge Indian startups and more than 20 Institutes of Excellence, representing 13 critical technology sectors of global importance. Over 350 leading international investors and venture capitalists from across the world are participating in the event, exploring collaboration and investment opportunities.
The showcased technologies span several frontier sectors, including:
- Quantum Computing
- Semiconductors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Defence Technologies
- Space Technologies
- Healthcare and MedTech
- Advanced Materials
- Clean Energy
- Green Hydrogen
- Battery Technologies
- Electric Mobility
- Advanced Manufacturing
The event aims to connect Indian innovation with global capital and international markets.
Modi Highlights India-France Partnership for Global Challenges
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked President Emmanuel Macron for his presence and emphasized that India and France have consistently worked together to address major global challenges.
He highlighted several successful bilateral initiatives, including:
- The International Solar Alliance
- Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence
- Joint efforts to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region
Referring to the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation, the Prime Minister described Bharat Innovates 2026 as another important milestone reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to contribute to global progress through science and technology.
India’s Startup Revolution Driving the Next Phase of Growth
Prime Minister Modi noted that India’s startup ecosystem has evolved into a powerful engine of innovation, with deep-tech solutions capable of transforming multiple sectors.
He observed that:
- Artificial Intelligence and satellite technologies can revolutionize rural development.
- Advanced manufacturing can promote sustainable living.
- Green Hydrogen, battery technologies, and electric mobility will play a crucial role in achieving clean and sustainable development.
According to the Prime Minister, the ongoing technological revolution presents unprecedented opportunities for humanity and requires responsible innovation.
“Technology Must Be Trusted, Inclusive and Human-Centric”
Calling upon innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors participating in the event, Prime Minister Modi urged them to develop technologies that are:
- Trusted
- Inclusive
- Human-centric
He stressed that startups should not be evaluated solely on the basis of their market valuation but also on the positive impact they create for society and humanity.
“The true success of innovation lies not only in financial returns but also in its ability to improve people’s lives,” he emphasized.
Leaders Interact with Innovators
Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron visited the exhibition and interacted with entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators representing frontier technology sectors including quantum computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, defence, space, healthcare, MedTech, advanced materials, and clean energy.
The interactions highlighted India’s growing capabilities in high-technology research and commercialization, while also opening avenues for deeper India-France collaboration in innovation and investment.
Strengthening India’s Vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’
Bharat Innovates 2026 underscores the Government of India’s commitment to transforming the country into a global innovation hub, consistent with the vision of “Viksit Bharat”. The event also reinforces the strategic importance of India-France cooperation in shaping the future global technology landscape through innovation-driven partnerships.
(With inputs from PIB)
