Chandigarh, 09.09.2026:A Startup Grant Distribution Ceremony under the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 was organised by the Department of Industries, U.T. Chandigarh on 9th September 2026 at the New U.T. Chandigarh Secretariat. The ceremony marked an important step towards strengthening the support ecosystem for startups and incubators in the Union Territory.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest, in the august presence of Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh. The event was also attended by other senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration - Shri Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary; Shri Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary; Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner-cum-Secretary Industries; and Shri Pradhuman Singh, HCS, Director Industries, U.T. Chandigarh which reiterated the Administration's commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and startup-led economic growth in the Union Territory.

The ceremony witnessed great participation from Industrial Associations of Chandigarh, Startups, Incubators of the region, academic institutions, government departments and PSUs. The audience was addressed by Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, Secretary Industries, U.T. Chandigarh. The officer highlighted the key facets of the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 and sensitized the audience on the application process under the policy.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Administrator highlighted the importance of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and a supportive startup ecosystem in Chandigarh. He emphasised that timely financial and institutional support to startups and incubators can help emerging enterprises scale their ideas, create employment opportunities and contribute to the economic development of U.T. Chandigarh. He also encouraged startups and incubators to make effective use of the support extended under the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 and contribute towards building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The grant distributed in the ceremony covers 8 startups and 4 incubators, with financial assistance amounting to ₹85.80 lakh for the 8 startups and ₹1.175 crore for the 4 incubators. The grants, amounting to a combined ₹2.033 crore, will be disbursed in a phased manner through respective parent incubators as per the provisions of the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025.

The initiative reflects the Chandigarh Administration’s continued commitment towards creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. Going forward, the Administration will undertake further initiatives to strengthen the startup ecosystem, including ideation rounds, mentorship and guidance, investor connects and other capacity-building and market-linkage initiatives. More startups and incubators will be brought under the ambit of these initiatives and will benefit from the support ecosystem being developed under the Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025.

These efforts are aimed at creating a dynamic, inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing together startups, incubators, industry, investors, professionals, students and other stakeholders. These initiatives will not only strengthen Chandigarh’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape but also contribute towards employment generation, economic growth and nation building.