Modi, Macron inaugurate ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ in Nice, showcase India’s deep-tech capabilities
Nice (France), June 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on June 14 jointly inaugurated ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’, a three-day global innovation event in Nice, highlighting the growing technological partnership between India and France and India’s ambitions to emerge as a leading innovation hub.
Held at the Palais des Expositions, the event brings together Indian deep-tech startups, researchers, innovators and investors with global venture capital firms and innovation funds. It features 120 cutting-edge startups and more than 20 Institutes of Excellence across 13 critical technology domains, with participation from over 350 leading investors and venture capitalists from around the world.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for his presence and described France as a steadfast partner in addressing global challenges. He pointed to collaborative initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, cooperation in artificial intelligence, and efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Noting that the event forms part of the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation celebrations, Modi said ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ represented another milestone in the two countries’ shared commitment to advancing the global good through technology and innovation.
Highlighting India’s startup revolution, the Prime Minister underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and satellite technologies for rural development, advanced manufacturing for sustainable living, and green hydrogen, battery technologies and electric mobility for clean growth.
Stressing that the technological revolution unfolding in the digital era offers unprecedented opportunities for humanity, Modi urged innovators, entrepreneurs and investors to develop technologies that are trusted, inclusive and human-centric. He said the success of startups should be measured not only by market valuations but also by the positive impact they create for society.
Inviting the global innovation community to collaborate with India in shaping the next chapter of technological progress, the Prime Minister interacted with entrepreneurs and innovators working in frontier sectors including quantum computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, defence, space, healthcare, medtech, advanced materials and clean energy. President Macron also joined him in touring the exhibition and engaging with the participating startups.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the event underscores India’s commitment to transforming itself into a global innovation hub in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat, while highlighting the growing importance of India-France cooperation in shaping the global technology landscape.
