Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Monday said that entrepreneurship, innovation, and business have been deeply rooted in Indian culture since ancient times. Addressing the two-day Madhya Pradesh Start-up Summit 2026 at Ravindra Bhavan, he emphasised that youth-driven innovation is the foundation of economic growth and national progress.
The Chief Minister stated that Madhya Pradesh is a land of emerging opportunities and that young entrepreneurs are shaping the country’s future through innovation. “Encouraging innovation is our firm commitment,” he said, highlighting the vital role of start-ups in strengthening India’s economy.
Dr. Yadav noted that India has over 60 million MSMEs, contributing more than 30 percent to GDP and nearly 45 percent to total exports. He added that India has now become the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem and the fourth-largest economy globally, expressing confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India will soon emerge as the third-largest economy.
During the summit, the Chief Minister transferred over ₹2.5 crore in incentive grants to 156 start-ups through a single-click system. Additionally, ₹8.17 crore in loan assistance was disbursed to 21 start-ups under the Mukhyamantri Udyam Kranti Yojana. He also honoured founders and incubators of successful and high-growth start-ups.
Several long-term Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event, including agreements between the MSME Department and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), as well as partnerships with Central Bank of India, Karvy Start-up Labs, and Start-up Middle East. The Chief Minister also released a booklet showcasing successful start-ups established in Madhya Pradesh and inaugurated the Start-up Exhibition.
Reflecting on India’s innovation legacy, Dr. Yadav cited the example of renowned scientist Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose, stating that despite pioneering discoveries in wireless communication, his work did not receive timely recognition due to the absence of ecosystem support. He said that under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, start-ups and research are now receiving structured encouragement nationwide.
Dr. Yadav highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has implemented robust start-up and innovation policies, adding that over 2,200 start-ups are currently operating in Indore alone, reflecting the state’s rapidly evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
