SAS Nagar (Mohali), September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government was creating an ecosystem of opportunities, financial support and institutional backing to help the state’s youth turn innovative ideas into businesses, employment and sustainable growth.
Addressing the ISB Leadership Summit-2026 at the Mohali campus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) as chief guest, Mann said Punjab’s youth had no shortage of talent or energy and needed the right platforms to showcase their abilities.
The summit, being held on the theme “India Unbound: Defining Tomorrow’s Leadership”, also marked ISB’s completion of 25 years. Mann congratulated the institution and said organisations such as ISB had an important role in guiding young people and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders.
Mann said the state government had established a Startup Centre to help turn innovative ideas into reality. He also highlighted the ‘Business Blasters’ programme, under which students of Schools of Eminence are provided seed money to develop and pursue business ideas. Promising ideas from students are also being taken forward for patents.
“The future belongs to societies willing to innovate, take calculated risks and convert emerging opportunities into sustainable growth,” Mann said, adding that India’s young population, technological capabilities and economic aspirations offered significant opportunities.
He said opportunities had to be converted into results through a visionary approach, investment and the courage to take risks.
Mann described ISB as a globally recognised institution and said its presence in Mohali was a matter of pride for Punjab. He said the institution was contributing to an ecosystem of knowledge, research, talent, entrepreneurship and investment in the state.
Highlighting Mohali’s emerging role in technology and entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister referred to the Startup Incubator at Kalkat Bhawan and said the state government was ready to provide institutional support to emerging entrepreneurs and innovative ventures.
“Punjab has immense potential to become a destination for startups, technology-driven enterprises and new-age industries,” Mann said. “We want to create an ecosystem where young people can dream, innovate, start businesses and create jobs right here in Punjab.”
He said Punjab’s agrarian identity would remain important, but industrialisation was equally necessary to generate employment, attract investment and ensure sustainable economic growth.
“Punjab may be an agrarian state, but for the next phase of growth, industries must also come to Punjab. Agriculture and industry have to move forward together,” he said.
Referring to the state’s Industrial Policy, Mann said the government was working towards a transparent and investor-friendly framework. He said collaboration among the government, private investors, entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions could help Punjab unlock new economic opportunities.
The Chief Minister also urged students to look beyond conventional career paths and focus on creating solutions to real-life problems.
“Leadership is about taking initiative, bringing people together, solving problems and creating opportunities for others,” Mann said, urging students to remain curious, ask difficult questions and learn from challenges.
He said the true measure of leadership was the number of opportunities a person could create for others.
Mann expressed hope that ISB alumni would contribute to Punjab’s economic development by investing in the state, mentoring young entrepreneurs, supporting innovation and creating employment.
“Punjab is ready to partner with industry, academia, entrepreneurs and investors to build a stronger and more prosperous future,” he said, calling upon young people to contribute to Punjab’s transformation over the next 25 years.
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