₹29 Crore Neuron 2.0 Hub to Back Next-Gen Cybersecurity Startups

Punjab launches the ₹29-crore Neuron 2.0 hub to strengthen deep-tech incubation, cybersecurity and advanced skilling. The initiative supports emerging startups with specialised infrastructure, mentoring and access to investors while expanding the state’s technology and innovation ecosystem.

To boost the technology and start-up ecosystem, the Government of Punjab has launched the Startup Punjab Hub-Neuron 2.0, an upgraded version of the Startup Punjab Hub dedicated towards advanced skilling and cybersecurity, deep-tech innovation. The programme is aimed at fostering start-ups in the field of emerging technology businesses and to promote the state as an attractive place to develop new business ventures based on innovation.

It is funded with an investment of ₹29 crore and is being built to furnish startups with specialised infra, mentoring and technology support. One of the most important facilities that will be developed within Neuron 2.0 is a dedicated cyber security laboratory, where startups will have the opportunity to develop new technologies and solutions in the field of cyber security.

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Neuron 2.0 was launched along with the establishment of the Punjab Investor Circle by Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora at the event held at Startup Punjab at Institute of Nano Science and Technology in Mohali. The Investor Circle is designed to facilitate the linking of startups with VC investors, industry peers, mentors, and the entire ecosystem, for investment and business collaborations.

The improved Neuron programme follows a programme that successfully incubated 114 technology start-ups, helped achieve 67 IP filings and created almost 2,700 jobs. The value of all these startups put together is around ₹ 890 crore after they have been supported through the programme, showcasing the effect of structured incubation and technology support.

Neuron 2.0 puts more focus on deep tech incubation and advanced skill development. Its cyber security infrastructure will be expected to give startups access to specialised resources in the development of their products and solutions in an increasingly digital economy. The programme also aims to enhance the partnership between entrepreneurs, investors, industry professionals and institutions.

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The event includes pitches from 14 startups in the sectors of information technology, health, agritech and manufacturing and deep technology. These sessions allow entrepreneurs to share their business concepts, discuss their funding options and make connections with investors and mentors.

Currently, Punjab is home to more than 2,500 DPIIT recognised Startups and Startup Punjab has so far supported over 222 Startups with seed funding of over ₹6.8 crore. The state hopes to increase access to capital, technology-specific facilities and advanced technologies for tech-enabled companies with its initiatives like Neuron 2.0 and the Investor Circle.