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Bharat Innovates 2026: PM Modi and Macron Inaugurate Global Deep-Tech Conclave in Nice, France

In a powerful display of the deepening India-France strategic partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the maiden

Rohit Joshi 1 hour ago · 5 min read

In a powerful display of the deepening India-France strategic partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the maiden edition of Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, on June 14. The three-day global deep-tech conclave, running until June 16, brings together 120 of India’s most advanced startups and technology ventures with leading global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 30 countries.

The event marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to position itself as a global innovation hub and comes on the sidelines of PM Modi’s participation in the G7 summit. With over 500 investors, representatives from premier Indian higher education institutions, and top corporate leaders in attendance, Bharat Innovates 2026 is being billed as the largest-ever overseas showcase of Indian technology entrepreneurship.

PM Modi’s Vision for India as a Global Innovation Powerhouse

In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India is no longer just a market for global technology — it is increasingly becoming a creator and exporter of cutting-edge innovation. Drawing attention to India’s rapid rise in the Global Innovation Index, where the country has climbed from 81st place in 2015 to within the top 40, Modi outlined a vision of India as a “global laboratory” for solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

“When India innovates, the world benefits,” Modi told the assembled audience. “Our startups are not just building businesses — they are building solutions for healthcare, agriculture, energy, and education that can transform lives across continents.” The Prime Minister highlighted specific examples of Indian deep-tech startups working on quantum computing, artificial intelligence for drug discovery, advanced materials, and clean energy technologies.

President Macron, in his remarks, praised India’s “extraordinary entrepreneurial energy” and emphasised France’s commitment to becoming India’s primary European partner for technology collaboration. The French president announced several new initiatives, including a €200 million joint innovation fund focused on AI, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies, as well as simplified visa procedures for Indian tech entrepreneurs seeking to establish operations in France.

120 Indian Startups Take Centre Stage

The 120 Indian startups selected for the conclave represent the cutting edge of India’s technology ecosystem. Curated through a rigorous selection process overseen by the Ministry of Education and the Department of Science and Technology, the participating companies span sectors including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and health-tech.

Several startups have already attracted significant attention from global investors. A Bengaluru-based quantum computing company reportedly received expressions of interest worth over $50 million within hours of its presentation. A Chennai-based biotech firm developing affordable diagnostic devices for tropical diseases drew praise from French healthcare executives for its potential to transform primary care in developing nations.

The event also features dedicated sessions for startups incubated at India’s premier institutions, including the IITs, IISc, AIIMS, and other leading universities. This academic-industry bridge is a key feature of Bharat Innovates, reflecting the government’s push to commercialise research from India’s higher education institutions.

India-France Tech Partnership: Beyond Defence

While the India-France relationship has traditionally been anchored in defence cooperation — including the Rafale fighter jet deal and submarine programmes — Bharat Innovates signals a deliberate expansion into civilian technology collaboration. The two countries have identified artificial intelligence, space exploration, nuclear energy, and cybersecurity as priority areas for deepened cooperation.

France’s strong position in aerospace (Airbus, Thales), nuclear energy (EDF, Framatome), and luxury technology (LVMH’s tech ventures) creates natural complementarities with India’s strengths in software, digital services, and frugal innovation. The conclave includes multiple B2B matchmaking sessions designed to facilitate concrete partnerships between Indian and French companies.

Economic Context and Global Significance

The timing of Bharat Innovates is significant. It comes as global supply chains continue to diversify away from excessive dependence on any single country, creating opportunities for India to capture a larger share of global technology manufacturing and services. The event also coincides with India’s push to become a $5 trillion economy, with technology and innovation identified as key drivers of growth.

For the Indian startup ecosystem, the international exposure offered by Bharat Innovates could be transformative. Despite producing the world’s third-largest number of unicorns, Indian startups have historically faced challenges in accessing European markets, which are often seen as more difficult to penetrate than the US or Southeast Asian markets. The French government’s active participation in facilitating market access could help bridge this gap.

Industry observers note that the conclave represents a maturation of India’s innovation diplomacy. Rather than simply attracting foreign investment, India is now actively exporting its technological capabilities and seeking equal partnerships with developed nations — a shift that reflects both the quality of Indian innovation and the country’s growing geopolitical confidence.

As the three-day event continues in Nice, with panel discussions, pitch sessions, and bilateral meetings scheduled through June 16, the message from Bharat Innovates 2026 is clear: India’s startup ecosystem has arrived on the global stage, and the world is taking notice.

Rohit Joshi

Rohit Joshi is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Daily Tips. With over a decade of experience in digital journalism and editorial leadership, he oversees all editorial operations — from story selection and fact-checking to maintaining the publication's standards of accuracy and fairness. He specialises in business, economy, and technology reporting, and founded Daily Tips to create a trusted, independent platform covering the full spectrum of Indian life.

Rohit Joshi

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