The Haryana Government has launched new programs to support entrepreneurship, especially for students and young innovators, as part of its pre-budget talks for 2025-26. These efforts are meant to build a strong startup ecosystem, encourage new business ideas, and help Haryana become a leading innovation hub in India.
At a recent meeting in Manesar, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the government’s commitment to giving financial and practical support to early-stage startups and student innovators. The government is working with founders, investors, and industry leaders to make it easier to do business, improve access to resources, and create more opportunities beyond the big cities.
Seed Funding and Financial Backing for Startups
With the updated Haryana State Startup Policy, 2022, the government gives up to ₹10 lakh in financial support to each startup through the Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC). This seed funding helps new companies test their ideas, build prototypes, and do early market research.
In addition to state support, a ₹2,000 crore ‘Fund of Funds’ has been set up to invest in promising startups. The Haryana State Research Fund, which starts with ₹20 crore, is designed to encourage research partnerships between startups and academic institutions.
Entrepreneurship Competitions and Student Engagement
A key part of the plan is to hold entrepreneurship competitions in every district starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Student teams with strong business ideas will be chosen and given ₹1 lakh each to help turn their ideas into real businesses.
This approach builds on recent successes in Haryana’s education sector, where students have started startups from their classrooms, earning seed funding and early revenue. For example, teams like Rang Riwaz, a student-run eco-friendly textile business, have received seed grants and mentorship through evaluation processes linked to vocational education programs.
Incubation Infrastructure and Industry Support
To give startups affordable workspaces and access to industry networks, Haryana is setting up incubation centers in all Industrial Model Townships (IMTs). Land has already been chosen in key IMT areas like Manesar, Sohna, and Kharkhoda. These centers will offer entrepreneurs ready-to-use facilities, opportunities to collaborate, and operational support. They are important links between innovation and industry, connecting startups with market resources and support across sectors like IT, agri-tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and new technologies.
AI Mission and Future‑Focused Programs
Along with startup funding, the Haryana government has started the Haryana AI Mission, backed by a World Bank commitment of ₹474 crore. This mission will create AI hubs in Gurugram and Panchkula and aims to train 50,000 young people in advanced technologies, preparing them for jobs in AI, machine learning, data science, and automation. The government says the future of entrepreneurship depends on using advanced technology and research-driven innovation, and these programs are meant to close the skills gap for both students and professionals.
Inclusive Growth and Women‑Led Ventures
Haryana’s startup scene is very inclusive, with many startups led by women entrepreneurs. The government has renewed its commitment to support female founders with special incentives and technical guidance, recognizing the important role women play in the state’s innovation. Haryana has over 9,500 registered startups and 19 unicorns, making it one of the top regions for entrepreneurship in India. The latest reforms aim to build on this progress by offering early financial support, training, district-level programs, and stronger links between research and industry.
The government’s overall strategy shows its belief that strong support, inclusive policies, and technology-focused programs will help startups grow faster, create good jobs, and make Haryana a top place for innovation and economic opportunities in India.
Also Read: Rainmatter-Backed Zerocircle Brings 3one4 Capital on Board in New Funding Round
