India Pitches Startup Ecosystem at Paris Roadshow Ahead of Bharat Innovates 2026

In a bid to strengthen global investment ties and showcase India’s growing innovation landscape, the Ministry of Education on Tuesday organised a pre-event roadshow for Bharat Innovates 2026 in Paris , drawing participation from Indian and French stakeholders across industry, academia and the startup ecosystem.

The roadshow serves as a precursor to the main Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave, scheduled to be held from June 14 to 16 in Nice , and aims to connect Indian deep-tech startups with global investors, corporates, universities and research institutions.

Bharat Innovates is a government-led global innovation initiative designed to showcase India’s startup and research ecosystem on an international stage. The platform seeks to bring together startups, investors, corporates and academic institutions to facilitate funding, partnerships and technology collaboration, particularly in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, space and advanced manufacturing.

Representing India were officials from the ministry, the Embassy of India in Paris , and industry body Confederation of Indian Industry , alongside startup founders, academic institutions and innovation networks. On the French side, key players from the innovation ecosystem, including La French Tech and participants associated with VivaTech , took part in the discussions.

Officials highlighted that Bharat Innovates 2026 will focus on 13 frontier technology sectors such as advanced computing, semiconductors, next-generation communications, biotechnology, space and defence, and Industry 4.0. The event is expected to feature curated one-on-one investor meetings, sector-specific sessions and startup showcases aimed at facilitating high-value collaborations.

Addressing the gathering, senior officials underlined the importance of the initiative in deepening the India–France strategic partnership and enhancing cross-border innovation linkages. Presentations during the roadshow outlined opportunities for global investors to engage with India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

Experts say such international outreach efforts could significantly benefit Indian startups by improving access to global capital, technology and markets. By engaging venture capital firms, corporate investors and research-backed funds, Indian startups especially in deep-tech sectors stand to gain long-term funding and strategic partnerships.

The participation of universities and research institutions is also expected to promote technology transfer and collaborative innovation, helping startups move from early-stage ideas to commercially viable products. Additionally, exposure to European markets through such platforms can aid Indian companies in scaling globally.

The initiative further aligns with the government’s broader push to position India as a global innovation hub by strengthening ties between academia, industry and investors.

Bharat Innovates 2026 was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year during the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, in the presence of the French leadership, signalling a renewed focus on bilateral cooperation in science, technology and entrepreneurship.