Chandigarh, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab is set to strengthen its technology and startup ecosystem with the establishment of the ₹29-crore Startup Punjab Hub–Neuron 2.0 at STPI Mohali, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
The new incubation centre will focus on cybersecurity and next-generation startups, besides continuing work in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) and audio-visual graphics.
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora witnessed the signing of the agreement at Udyog Bhawan. The MoU was signed by Director Industries and Commerce-cum-Punjab Startup Nodal Officer Jaspreet Singh and STPI Director Shailendra K. Tyagi.
Arora said Neuron 2.0 would build upon the achievements of Neuron 1.0, which incubated 114 startups, supported the development of 158 products and 171 prototypes, and generated nearly 2,700 jobs. Startups associated with the earlier hub have attracted investments worth ₹251 crore and have a combined valuation of ₹2,890 crore, he said.
The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government has extended in-principle support of ₹12 crore for Neuron 2.0, while STPI will contribute ₹17 crore. The facility aims to nurture at least 50 startups over five years and train 2,000 professionals through structured programmes in emerging technologies.
Eligible startups will be encouraged to register with Startup Punjab to access benefits available under the state’s startup policy.
A dedicated cybersecurity laboratory will be established at the centre to facilitate product development and experimentation. The facility will provide incubation, mentoring, advanced infrastructure, skill development, product commercialisation and industry linkages.
“The collaboration with STPI for Neuron 2.0 reflects Punjab Government’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for economic growth and job creation. By adding cybersecurity to our existing domains, we are strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem and preparing our youth for future opportunities,” Arora said.
Under the MoU, STPI will operate and manage the facility, maintain the cybersecurity laboratory and organise outreach programmes, hackathons, bootcamps and investor-connect events. Training will be offered at foundation, intermediate and expert levels.
Startup Punjab will facilitate startup outreach, mentoring and ecosystem development while connecting the hub with government departments, educational institutions and industry bodies. Training opportunities will also be extended to students of government and government-aided schools and colleges.
FOLLOW NOW
