ArdorComm Media News Network
September 10, 2026
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday released a commemorative publication documenting the first edition of Bharat Innovates, held in Nice, France, from June 14 to 16, 2026, as part of the India-France Year of Innovation.
Speaking at the event in New Delhi, Joshi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently placed innovation, research, technology and entrepreneurship at the heart of India’s development agenda. He said Bharat Innovates reflected this vision by giving young innovators a platform to showcase their work, connect with global stakeholders and explore opportunities beyond India.
Joshi added that initiatives such as Bharat Innovates reflected the confidence and aspirations of young Indians while highlighting the capabilities of the country’s higher education and research ecosystem. Connecting young talent with industry, opportunities and international networks could help unlock the full potential of India’s innovation landscape, he said.
Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar emphasised the role of higher education institutions in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 had prioritised research, innovation, creativity and scientific temper, while initiatives such as Bharat Innovates offered platforms to convert these priorities into tangible outcomes.
The commemorative publication traces the initiative’s journey, from identifying and selecting promising deep-tech innovators across India to showcasing their technologies internationally in Nice. It also documents their engagements with industry, investors and other ecosystem stakeholders, along with the outcomes and collaborations that emerged from the programme.
Bharat Innovates is a Ministry of Education initiative focused on identifying and nurturing high-potential deep-tech innovations emerging from India’s higher education and research ecosystem. The programme aims to connect innovators with industry and investors, support technology commercialisation and provide access to global markets and supply chains.
The inaugural edition featured 120 deep-tech startups and innovators and 45 research projects from across India. Participants received opportunities to demonstrate their technologies, interact with industry and investors, explore international partnerships and identify potential global market opportunities.
The publication also highlights the scientific capabilities and entrepreneurial potential of Indian students, researchers, faculty members, startups, higher education institutions and innovation ecosystem partners.
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Ajay Kumar Sood, NITI Aayog Member Abhay Karandikar, Department of Higher Education Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukerjee and senior Education Ministry officials attended the hybrid event. Directors and senior representatives from IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras and IIT Bombay, along with officials from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Defence Production and IN-SPACe, also participated.
Source: PIB