CM Saini Unveils AI Mission, New Incentives for Startups

• Haryana launched new startup initiatives, including the Haryana AI Mission with AI hubs and World Bank-backed funding
• The state will expand incubation centres, funding support, and district-level entrepreneurship programmes
• Haryana now hosts over 9,500 startups and 19 unicorns, with strong women participation

Recently, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini put forth a new set of measures aimed at bolstering the state's startup ecosystem, which included the proposed Haryana AI Mission, incubators, and increased financial and technical support for startups.

The CM during a pre-budget consultation in Manesar with startup founders mentioned that the young innovators were transforming the state's economy and reiterated the government's intention to make Haryana the center of innovation.

Saini when speaking about Startup India, stated that it is not just a government scheme but a Rainbow Vision with connection through innovation among multiple sectors.

He also maintained that even the smallest of ideas could transform into giant enterprises if timely and appropriate vision and policy support were available. The consultation was held in the spirit of National Startup Day which is celebrated on January 16, to receive feedback on issues related to doing business easily, financing, and technical support.

Saini while talking about the startup growth in India pointed out that in the last ten years the number of startups in the country has gone up from about 500 to more than 200,000 and Haryana with its cities Gurugram and Manesar has been participating actively in this growth.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Unveils New Deep-Tech Startup Policy

The state has more than 9,500 registered startups currently that have put it on the seventh position in the ranking of states and 19 unicorns are also there.One of the most significant announcements was the Haryana AI Mission, which plans to create AI hubs in Gurugram and Panchkula.

The mission has received a commitment of ₹474 crores in assistance from the World Bank and its main objective is to provide training in new technologies to 50,000 young people. In addition to this, a ₹20 crore Haryana State Research Fund and a ₹2,000 crore Fund of Funds have been created by the state to enhance research.

The financial aid under the Haryana State Startup Policy-2022 is up to ₹10 lakhs for startups, and recently, 22 startups have been allocated ₹1.14 crores in total.

The government will hold district-level business competitions in the 2025–26 academic session to bring entrepreneurship closer to the people and will have incubation centres in all HSIIDC industrial estates.

Saini also pointed out that women directors constitute at least 50% of the total number of directors in the Haryana startups, which is a clear signal that the government continues to be supportive of women entrepreneurs.