Delhi Government Seeks Startup Industry Inputs on New Startup and Incubation Policy

With Delhi looking to expand its startup ecosystem, the state government held a roundtable with leading entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts to seek inputs on its proposed Startup & Incubation Policy, 2026. The consultation covered suggestions on easing regulations, improving access to workspace and attracting private investment. The proposed policy carries a financial outlay of over Rs 400 crore, with the government targeting support for more than 10,000 startups and creation of over four lakh employment opportunities. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in the interaction, organised by the Department of Training and Technical Education in collaboration with Youth for Governance, while Education Minister Ashish Sood chaired the meeting. A key suggestion from industry representatives was to position Delhi as the country's "Deregulation Capital," with participants calling for measures to make it easier for startups to operate and scale. Gupta said Delhi's youth, educational institutions, technological capabilities and large market gave the city an advantage in building a startup ecosystem. The Delhi Cabinet had already approved the policy in July, and the initial phase covers 11 state universities, 13 government-aided colleges, government polytechnics, industrial training institutes and government school students. Startups will get milestone-based assistance across stages including proof of concept, prototype development, product development, market validation and commercialisation, overseen by a State Incubation Policy Monitoring Committee.