India Unveils ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ in Paris to Attract Global Deep-Tech Investment

India has taken a significant step in strengthening its global innovation footprint by presenting its flagship deep-tech startup programme, ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’, at a high-profile roadshow in Paris. The event was aimed at attracting global investors, research institutions, and corporate stakeholders ahead of the upcoming deep-tech conclave scheduled to take place in Nice next month.

The roadshow highlighted India’s rapidly evolving deep-tech ecosystem and its strong foundation in higher education-led innovation. It served as a platform to demonstrate the country’s growing capabilities in cutting-edge technologies and its readiness to collaborate internationally.

Strong Participation From India and France

Key Institutional Representation

The Paris event saw participation from leading Indian institutions, including the Ministry of Education, the Embassy of India in Paris, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Their presence underscored the importance India is placing on building global partnerships in innovation and technology.

Engagement With French Ecosystem

More than 50 participants from France’s business and innovation ecosystem attended the roadshow. Prominent organisations included La French Tech, VivaTech, ESCP Business School, ESSEC Business School, INRIA, and members of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce.

The participation of venture capital firms, advisory groups, legal experts, and startup networks added depth to the discussions, making the event a comprehensive engagement platform.

Building Momentum for Bharat Innovates 2026

A Platform for Global Collaboration

The roadshow was designed to brief potential investors and partners on the objectives, scope, and opportunities associated with ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’. It emphasized India’s intention to create a globally connected innovation ecosystem by facilitating partnerships in research, development, and commercialization.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

K.M. Praphullachandra Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the initiative’s importance in boosting international collaboration, particularly within the framework of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership has gained momentum in recent years, spanning sectors such as defence, space, climate, and technology.

Investment Opportunities Across Frontier Technologies

Focus on 13 Key Sectors

Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, presented a detailed overview of the initiative, outlining opportunities for French and global investors. He emphasized that ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ will focus on 13 frontier technology sectors, including:

• Advanced computing
• Semiconductors
• Next-generation communications
• Advanced materials and critical minerals
• Biotechnology
• Space and defence
• Industry 4.0 manufacturing

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

These sectors represent areas where India is actively investing to build global competitiveness. By inviting international participation, the initiative aims to accelerate innovation, enable technology transfer, and create scalable solutions for global markets.

Taking Indian Startups to the Global Stage

120 Deep-Tech Startups to Participate

The inaugural edition of ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ will feature India’s top 120 deep-tech startups. These startups will travel to Nice to engage with global stakeholders and explore opportunities for pilots, co-development, investments, and market expansion.

Expanding Market Access and Manufacturing

The initiative is expected to facilitate research partnerships, manufacturing collaborations, and access to international markets. This aligns with India’s broader push to position itself as a global hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Background and Event Details

Announcement at India-France Year of Innovation

‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ was announced by Narendra Modi on February 17 during the inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation, held in the presence of Emmanuel Macron.

Upcoming Conclave in Nice

The main event is scheduled to take place from June 14-16 at the Palais des Expositions, a major venue for international conferences and exhibitions.

The conclave is expected to bring together startups, investors, policymakers, and researchers from across the globe, making it a key milestone in India’s innovation diplomacy efforts.

Conclusion

India’s Paris roadshow for ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ marks a strategic push to position itself as a global leader in deep-tech innovation. By engaging with international stakeholders and showcasing its strengths in emerging technologies, India is not only attracting investment but also building long-term collaborative partnerships. As the Nice conclave approaches, the initiative is set to play a crucial role in connecting Indian startups with global opportunities, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a hub for cutting-edge innovation and technological advancement.