Apex Committees Meet to Chart Roadmap for Positioning Bihar as a Technology and New-Age Economy Hub

Bihar's Apex Committees discussed a long-term, tech-driven plan to attract domestic and international investment. Key projects include semiconductor manufacturing, GCCs, a Mega Tech City, and a FinTech City, with a focus on startups and youth employment within the New Age Economy framework. The plan emphasises inter-departmental coordination and investor-friendly reforms.

The second meeting of the three Apex Committees constituted by the Government of Bihar to position the state as a leader in innovation, technology services, and the New Age Economy was held at Bihar Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on long-term strategies for technology-driven development in Bihar and measures required to attract domestic as well as global investment. Discussions also focused on a proposed roadmap to develop Bihar as a technology hub of Eastern India. Key potential projects discussed included semiconductor manufacturing, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), the establishment of a Mega Tech City, and the development of a FinTech City in the state.

The meeting also discussed strategies to promote startups, innovation, and employment-oriented opportunities for youth under the New Age Economy framework. Participants reviewed existing state policies and deliberated on reforms and new initiatives required to further strengthen the startup ecosystem in Bihar.

A plan was also discussed to establish Bihar as a Global Backend Hub and Global Workplace over the next five years. The discussions focused on implementation strategies, strengthening inter-departmental coordination, and enhancing partnerships with industry stakeholders.

Investment-friendly ecosystem a key priority

Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit said the Bihar government’s primary objective is to create an investment-friendly ecosystem so that both domestic and international investors come forward to establish industries in the state.

He noted that Bihar’s large pool of talented youth, rapidly improving infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies are making the state an increasingly attractive investment destination. He also highlighted that upcoming industrial conclaves would serve as important platforms to attract large-scale investments and connect global investors with opportunities available in Bihar.

Strategy to strengthen tech and service-sector industries

Secretary of the Industries Department and Managing Director of the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), Kundan Kumar, spoke about strategies to promote investments in startups and sectors linked to the New Age Economy. He said the state government aims to develop Bihar as a strong hub for technology companies, startups, and service-sector industries. Upcoming industrial summits will help connect investors, industrialists, and global entrepreneurs with opportunities available in the state.

Secretary of the Information Technology Department Abhay Kumar Singh highlighted initiatives under the state government’s AI Mission. He said Bihar has significant potential in artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies, and encouraging investment in these areas would help establish new industries while creating large-scale employment opportunities for youth.

Time-bound action plan to be prepared

The meeting decided that each Apex Committee will prepare a clear and time-bound action plan to ensure phased implementation of the proposed initiatives. The plan will identify key priorities, necessary policy interventions, and strategic initiatives.

Participants also emphasized the need for stronger coordination among the state government, industry, educational institutions, and the startup ecosystem to accelerate technology-led development in Bihar.

Push for large investments and unicorn startups

The meeting also stressed the importance of attracting large-ticket investments. To achieve this, the state plans to increase engagement with global investors working in technology-driven and innovation-led sectors and present Bihar as a high-potential investment destination.

Discussions were also held on supporting high-potential startups to scale rapidly towards becoming unicorns by providing improved access to markets, financing, incubation support, and global partnerships. Special emphasis was placed on sectors such as AI, deep tech, fintech, agritech, and healthtech.

Industry leaders and experts participate

The meeting was attended by MLAs Ruhail Ranjan (Islampur) and Abhishek Anand (Cheria-Bariarpur), along with experts from multiple sectors and industry representatives.

Senior officials present included Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Anand Kishor, Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Narmdeshwar Lal, Secretary (Expenditure) Rachna Patil, Director Industries (MSME) Aman Sameer, Director Industries Mukul Kumar Gupta, and Director (Agriculture) Saurav Suman Yadav.

International technology and startup entrepreneur Sushant Patnaik also shared his views during the meeting.

Prominent entrepreneurs from the startup ecosystem, including Shashank Kumar, Co-founder and CEO of DeHaat; Shradha Sharma, CEO of YourStory; and Arunabh Sinha, Founder and CEO of UClean, attended the meeting in person. Gaurav Kumar, Founder of Yubi/Vivriti Capital/Vivriti Asset Management, and Azhar Iqubal, Co-founder and Chairman of Inshorts, also participated and shared their insights.

Participants collectively emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to transform Bihar into a major center for technology, innovation, and investment in the coming years.