Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026: Yogi Adityanath orders draft to strengthen startup ecosystem

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to prepare the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026 to position the state as a leading startup destination. He said the policy should help young people become job creators and ensure support for startups from inception through expansion and global competitiveness. Officials cited improved Government of India startup rankings.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday asked officials to draft the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026. The aim is to position Uttar Pradesh as India’s top startup destination. Adityanath said the policy must help young people build businesses. Adityanath also reviewed the main proposals planned for the policy, according to an official statement.

Officials said Uttar Pradesh has improved its startup ecosystem in recent years. Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, said the state moved up in national rankings. Uttar Pradesh was in the Aspiring Leader category in 2018. It then reached the Top Performer category in the Government of Indias Startup Ranking 2025.

Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026 focus on youth and innovation

Adityanath said, The states young population, vast market, rapidly developing digital and industrial base, and investor-friendly environment have the potential to make Uttar Pradesh a national hub of innovation-driven economic growth. Adityanath added that the new policy should support youth. The goal is to help youth become job creators.

The new policy should empower the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers and give Uttar Pradesh a new identity in the fields of startups and innovation, Adityanath said. Adityanath also stressed support for startups across stages. The support should cover early ideas, growth, and global scaling.

Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026 support measures and inclusion

The chief minister said, Startups in the state should receive the necessary support at every stage, from inception to expansion and global competitiveness. Adityanath told officials to strengthen key benefits. These include sustenance allowance, prototype grants, and seed capital assistance. Adityanath also asked for better incentives for patents and quality certifications.

Adityanath directed that the policy should also cover targeted groups. The list included women entrepreneurs and economically weaker sections. It also included persons with disabilities and transgender entrepreneurs. Adityanath further asked for special support for startups from Purvanchal and Bundelkhand.

Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026 deep-tech sectors and research links

Adityanath said, Uttar Pradesh must play a leading role in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, Robotics, Semiconductors, Aerospace, Space Technology, Health-Tech and other emerging technologies. Adityanath asked for special incentives for deep-tech startups. Adityanath also called for a clear system to back research-led innovation.

Adityanath directed officials to increase Centres of Excellence in Uttar Pradesh. Adityanath said these centres must match future technology needs. Adityanath also called for close coordination among universities and technical institutes. Research centres and industry should work together. The aim is to move ideas from labs into markets.

Adityanath emphasised building the proposed U-Hubs in Lucknow and Noida. Adityanath said the hubs should become key centres for deep-tech innovation. Officials were asked to align these hubs with the wider innovation system. The goal is to support startup growth in priority sectors.

Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026 governance through a Startup Mission

Adityanath said a Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission is needed for smooth management. Adityanath said it should handle promotion and financial administration. It should also cover monitoring, capacity building, and coordination. The proposed Mission would not only promote innovation and entrepreneurship but also serve as an effective mechanism for implementing the states startup policy, Adityanath said.

The state’s first startup policy was introduced in 2020. It remained valid for five years from the notification date. With Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026, Adityanath asked for stronger support tools. Adityanath also sought better coordination and deeper technology focus. Officials are expected to prepare the new framework accordingly.

With inputs from PTI