“Two Innovation Hubs Unite”: PM Modi on India–France Forum
PM launches Year of Innovation, highlights startups and deep-tech cooperation
- Modi, Macron declare 2026 as India–France Year of Innovation
- PM highlights India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem
- Focus on AI, quantum tech, biotech, and clean energy
- Push for deeper industry and student exchanges
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 18th Feb: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and France are joining hands as two major innovation hubs, announcing 2026 as the India–France Year of Innovation during the inauguration of the India–France Innovation Forum in Mumbai.
Welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron and innovators from both countries, the Prime Minister said the partnership between India and France is built on trust, shared values, and a common commitment to lead through innovation.
He said the collaboration in strategic technology sectors has strengthened mutual trust and elevated bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, adding that the collective creativity of both nations would help shape a better future for the world.
Highlighting India’s innovation journey, Modi said the country has a long tradition of innovation in fields such as mathematics, medicine, metallurgy, and architecture. In the 21st century, he said, Indian youth are driving innovation for global good through a vibrant startup ecosystem and world-class research institutions.
He noted that India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem within a decade of the Startup India initiative. From just four unicorns in 2014, the number has grown to more than 120, with a combined valuation exceeding $350 billion.
The Prime Minister said the government has built a conducive innovation ecosystem across schools, universities, and industries. He referred to the Atal Tinkering Labs, mentorship programmes, scholarships, and startup funding networks as key pillars supporting innovation.
He said the Atal Innovation Mission, which completes a decade on February 24, has become one of the world’s largest grassroots innovation programmes, with over 10,000 tinkering labs engaging more than one crore students and innovators. The mission is also linked to more than 100 incubators and several deep-tech startups.
Referring to the Union Budget, Modi said the government is strengthening the innovation ecosystem, including plans to establish content creator labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges. He said India is working in mission mode in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, semiconductors, and clean energy, along with sectors like textiles, chemicals, electronics, sports goods, and infrastructure.
He also highlighted the rise of women-led innovation, noting that nearly half of India’s startups have at least one woman director, while increasing numbers of women are graduating in STEM fields and leading initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, and space missions.
The Prime Minister said India’s speed and scale, combined with France’s strengths, can open new global opportunities. He noted France’s target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030 as a step toward deeper talent exchange.
He added that 2026 will see expanded people-to-people exchanges and industry partnerships, with France set to host the “India Innovates 2026” showcase in June, featuring Indian tech startups working on global challenges such as health, climate, and security.
Inviting global leaders, investors, and universities to partner with India, the Prime Minister said technology must serve humanity and ensure inclusive progress.
