New Delhi, March 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence on Wednesday that India will emerge as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with its young innovators spearheading the nation’s advancement.
Addressing the Startup Mahakhumb at the Bharat Mandapam, PM Modi emphasized India’s potential dominance in AI, stating, “India will have the upper hand in AI and we will not let the opportunity slip away.”
Encouraging young startup founders, he urged them to devise solutions that not only address India’s challenges and contribute to the vision of a developed India (“Viksit Bharat”), but also create a better future globally.
PM Modi highlighted that innovative solutions successful in India’s diverse geography have the potential to succeed worldwide.
He noted India’s ascent as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with the government placing startups at the forefront of the G-20 agenda, underscoring the country’s innovative talent on the global stage.
Reflecting on the evolution of India’s startup ecosystem, PM Modi celebrated its growth from humble beginnings to over 1.25 lakh registered startups, engaging over 12 lakh youngsters and significantly contributing to employment generation.
Highlighting the substantial involvement of women, PM Modi emphasized their pivotal role in nation-building, particularly in technology-driven sectors.
PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering innovation through policies such as funding support, incubators at leading educational institutions, and the National Research Foundation.
Assuring continued support for startups, PM Modi underscored the allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore for research and innovation in the interim budget, with funds prioritized for long-term projects.
He reassured young entrepreneurs of the government’s efforts in digital protection to promote startup growth, aiming to propel India to become the world’s third-largest economy during his tenure.
Encouraging a culture of mentorship, PM Modi urged successful entrepreneurs to guide aspiring youngsters towards success.
He advocated for engagement with educational institutions to inspire innovation among students, emphasizing the importance of democratizing technology and fostering inclusivity in the startup ecosystem.
Before his address, PM Modi interacted with young entrepreneurs to grasp firsthand insights into their products.
The Startup Mahakhumb, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, witnessed unprecedented participation, attracting a diverse array of stakeholders in India’s startup ecosystem.
Featuring thematic pavilions spanning various sectors, the event served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, networking, and nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.
