THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NICE
(FRANCE), JUNE 14, 2026
Stressing that
start-ups should be judged not merely by their market valuation but by the
impact they create for humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined
French President Emmanuel Macron to inaugurate Bharat Innovates 2026 at the
Palais des Expositions in Nice, marking a major milestone in India-France
cooperation in innovation and technology.
Addressing a distinguished
gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and researchers from across
the world, Prime Minister Modi said the technological revolution unfolding in
the digital age presents unprecedented opportunities for humanity and called
upon innovators to develop technologies that are trusted, inclusive and
human-centric. He urged the global innovation community to join hands with
India in co-creating the next chapter of global innovation.
The three-day event,
jointly inaugurated by the two leaders, brings together Indian deep-tech
start-ups, innovators, researchers and investors with leading global innovation
funds and technology stakeholders. Bharat Innovates 2026 showcases India’s
technological prowess on the global stage, featuring 120 pathbreaking start-ups
and more than 20 Institutes of Excellence across 13 critical technology sectors
of global importance. More than 350 leading investors and venture capitalists
from around the world are participating in the event.
Prime Minister Modi
thanked President Macron for his gracious presence and described India and
France as steadfast partners committed to addressing global challenges.
Highlighting the strong strategic partnership between the two nations, he
referred to landmark initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance as
well as growing collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and efforts to promote
stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Noting that the event
coincides with the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation, the Prime Minister
said Bharat Innovates represents another significant milestone in the shared
commitment of the two countries to work for global good through technological
advancement and innovation.
Referring to India’s
remarkable start-up revolution, reflected in the cutting-edge technologies on
display, Modi underlined the transformative potential of Artificial
Intelligence and satellite technologies in accelerating rural development. He
also highlighted the role of advanced manufacturing in promoting sustainable
living and pointed to Green Hydrogen, battery technologies and electric
mobility as key drivers of clean and sustainable growth.
Following the
inauguration, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron toured the exhibition
and interacted with innovators and entrepreneurs representing frontier sectors
including quantum computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, defence, space,
healthcare, MedTech, advanced materials and clean energy.
Bharat Innovates 2026
underscores the Government of India’s commitment to transforming the country
into a global innovation hub in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat, while
also reinforcing the growing significance of India-France collaboration in
shaping the future global technology landscape.
