Emerging tech startups to get a boost

AMONG THE VARIOUS items on wish lists ahead of the 2025-26 Union Budget, the ones that truly stood out included a continued infrastructure push, the revitalisation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and greater incentives for startups and innovation – especially in the emerging sectors – which could boost employment and spur domestic growth.

- Ritesh Agarwal FOUNDER & GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, OYO

On the startup front, it was only fitting that the finance minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering innovation as we enter the 10th year of the Startup India programme. After abolishing 'angel tax' in 2024, a fresh infusion of ₹10,000 crore to the fund of funds for startups, building upon the impressive ₹91,000-crore investment corpus already created, could be hugely beneficial for India's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The success of previous such investments has shown that when we back innovative Indian entrepreneurs with patient capital, they create solutions that not only serve the country but can be exported globally. This boost will particularly benefit startups working on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, clean energy and deeptech.