Punjab CM Mann distributes Rs 1.1 crore in seed grants among 31 startups

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday distributed seed grants worth Rs 1.1 crore to 31 startups, saying Punjab's next generation of entrepreneurs should build their companies in the state and create jobs and wealth locally.The CM said selected startups represent diverse fields like agriculture, artificial intelligence, technology, governance, textiles and manufacturing. He added under the Punjab Startup & Industrial Policy 2026, seed grant assistance had been enhanced from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, with seven startups receiving grants of Rs 5 lakh each and 24 startups receiving Rs 3 lakh each. "The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) itself was born from an idea at a time when dynastic politics dominated the country and the common man had been sidelined," he said. He described AAP of the time as "a startup that cleaned the political system with its symbol of the broom". "In the 2022 assembly elections, the people of Punjab rejected seven former chief ministers and their families and gave an opportunity to an honest govt. That decision has transformed Punjab and made it a frontrunner in the country," he said.Mann assured all support to startups. "We will handhold you, listen to you, support you, and resolve every difficulty you face. Just as a small seed requires water, nourishment and care to grow into a healthy plant, an entrepreneur needs financial support to transform an idea into a successful business," he added.An official added the 2026 policy sought to encourage young people to become job-creators, instead of job-seekers and promote innovation-driven growth across sectors. The initiative is also aimed at addressing the challenge of youth migration by creating opportunities within Punjab, he said.