PM Modi, Macron Inaugurate Bharat Innovates 2026 To Connect Indian Startups With Global Investors

Last Updated:June 14, 2026, 15:22 IST

Bharat Innovates 2026 brought together Indian startups, global investors and technology leaders in Nice, aiming to boost deep-tech partnerships and cross-border innovation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, launching a major India-France initiative aimed at connecting India’s emerging deep-tech ecosystem with global investors, research institutions and industry leaders.

Held under the aegis of the India-France Year of Innovation, Bharat Innovates 2026 brings together around 120 Indian innovators, nearly 15 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), more than 500 investors, leading corporates, venture capital firms, global CEOs and technology leaders.

The initiative, spearheaded by India’s Ministry of Education, seeks to identify, mentor and showcase promising technology ventures emerging from Higher Education Institutions and Centrally Funded Technical Institutes, while creating opportunities for global partnerships, investment and technology collaboration.

The event showcases innovations across 13 strategic sectors, including advanced computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and space technology.

Organisers said the platform has been designed to connect participating startups and institutions with investors, corporations, universities, research organisations and government stakeholders from around the world.

According to the organisers, Bharat Innovates aims to facilitate investments, technology validation, pilot projects, manufacturing partnerships and international market access for Indian innovations.

It is also expected to create pathways for technology transfer, co-development opportunities and cross-border scaling of emerging technologies.

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted India’s growing role in global innovation ahead of the event, saying, “The question is no longer if India innovates, but who will innovate with India."

The event also featured directors and senior leaders from Indian Higher Education Institutions, who are expected to engage with global stakeholders on strengthening research-to-market linkages and accelerating innovation-driven growth.

INDIA-FRANCE INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP IN SPOTLIGHT

In a statement issued ahead of the inauguration, the Ministry of Education said Bharat Innovates 2026 would bring together innovators and leaders from across the world while showcasing India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem and fostering deeper global collaboration.

The ministry described the event as a reflection of India’s commitment to research, innovation and technology-led development.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier described Bharat Innovates as a “landmark event" and said it would connect India’s most promising startups with global investment networks.

“This landmark event, being held against the backdrop of the India-France Year of Innovation, will connect India’s most promising start-ups with global investment and serve as a major accelerator for innovations emerging from India’s higher education ecosystem," PM Modi had said in his departure statement before leaving for France.

Several key outcomes are expected from the initiative, including strengthened collaboration frameworks in deep technology, research and development, startup scaling and cross-border investment facilitation.

Organisers also expect the event to open new avenues for institutional cooperation between Indian and French innovation ecosystems, particularly in areas such as co-development, technology exchange and the acceleration of emerging technologies.

MODI-MACRON MEETING AND BROADER ENGAGEMENTS

The inauguration comes as PM Modi continues his visit to France, which includes engagements in Nice, Evian and Paris aimed at deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Macron.

The two leaders are expected to review progress made since their meeting in February and discuss the next steps in India-France cooperation, alongside key global issues of mutual interest.

Bharat Innovates 2026 is being organised months after PM Modi and Macron jointly launched the India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai in February this year, underscoring the growing strategic emphasis both countries are placing on technology, research and innovation-led partnerships.

The event also comes ahead of the 10th edition of VivaTech, Europe’s premier startup and technology gathering, scheduled to take place in Paris from June 17 to 20.

India will have the largest national pavilion at this year’s edition, reflecting the expanding engagement between Indian and European innovation ecosystems and the growing international interest in India’s technology and startup landscape.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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