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India-France Launch Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, Promising Deep-Tech Collaboration
On Sunday, 14 June 2026, the French Riviera city of Nice became a stage for a new era of Indo‑French cooperation when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave. The event, a centerpiece of the India‑France Year of Innovation, drew more than 120 Indian deep‑tech startups, 15 leading Indian higher‑education institutions and over 500 investors from around the globe.
Modi’s opening address bridged India’s millennia‑old scientific legacy with its present‑day role as a technology provider. "Innovation is deeply embedded in India’s DNA. For thousands of years, Bharat has guided the world with its breakthroughs and wisdom. From mathematics to astronomy, and from medicine to yoga, Bharat’s contributions have been foundational to all of humanity. Today, we are building upon this rich heritage, giving it renewed direction and momentum," he said. He went on to note a decade‑long shift, adding, "A decade ago, the world saw India primarily as a technology adopter. Today, however, India is rapidly emerging as a technology provider."
The conclave’s agenda centers on 13 strategic sectors, including semiconductors, space technology, advanced computing, biotechnology and healthcare. Organisers say the gathering will facilitate technology validation, pilot projects and manufacturing partnerships, giving Indian startups a platform to scale internationally.
Modi also highlighted India’s AI strategy, framed around the principle of "AI for All." "Today, India’s top priority is technology that serves humanity—innovation centred around people. This guiding principle has driven our digital revolution and lies at the core of India’s digital public infrastructure. Our AI vision is built on the concept of ‘AI for All,’ dedicated to the welfare and happiness of every individual," he declared. The remarks echo earlier statements about India’s commitment to inclusive AI deployment.
Bharat Innovates 2026 is part of a broader year‑long partnership that began in January 2026 with joint events in Paris and Nice. The India‑France Year of Innovation seeks to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, building on a long history of bilateral engagement that includes nuclear, space and defence collaboration.
According to the event’s concept note, the 120 Indian deep‑tech innovators were selected for their potential to impact global markets. The 15 Indian higher‑education institutions include premier technical institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science. Over 500 investors—ranging from venture‑capital firms to global industry leaders—attended the conclave.
Modi’s visit to Evian and Paris from 16 to 18 June will extend beyond the conclave. He will participate in multilateral dialogues, including high‑level discussions at the G7 summit, where he will join other world leaders to discuss global economic and security issues.
The Bharat Innovates 2026 event is seen as a launchpad for Indian startups to secure international partnerships and investment. The focus on semiconductors, for example, aligns with India’s recent push to develop domestic chip manufacturing capabilities. The inclusion of space technology reflects the country’s growing ambitions in satellite launch and space exploration.
The event also signals a broader trend of India positioning itself as a global innovation hub. According to the concept note, the conclave’s objective is to accelerate innovation by connecting startups with investors, academia and industry. The emphasis on "AI for All" and inclusive growth is intended to address concerns about data privacy, skill shortages and ethical use of AI.
In summary, the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice marks a significant moment in India‑France cooperation. It showcases India’s transition from technology adopter to provider, highlights the country’s commitment to inclusive AI, and offers a platform for deep‑tech startups to engage with global investors and partners.
The event’s outcomes will likely influence future collaborations, investment flows and policy discussions around AI, semiconductors and space technology. The next steps will involve follow‑up meetings between Indian and French stakeholders, potential joint ventures, and the continuation of the India‑France Year of Innovation initiatives.
Modi’s opening address bridged India’s millennia‑old scientific legacy with its present‑day role as a technology provider. "Innovation is deeply embedded in India’s DNA. For thousands of years, Bharat has guided the world with its breakthroughs and wisdom. From mathematics to astronomy, and from medicine to yoga, Bharat’s contributions have been foundational to all of humanity. Today, we are building upon this rich heritage, giving it renewed direction and momentum," he said. He went on to note a decade‑long shift, adding, "A decade ago, the world saw India primarily as a technology adopter. Today, however, India is rapidly emerging as a technology provider."
The conclave’s agenda centers on 13 strategic sectors, including semiconductors, space technology, advanced computing, biotechnology and healthcare. Organisers say the gathering will facilitate technology validation, pilot projects and manufacturing partnerships, giving Indian startups a platform to scale internationally.
Modi also highlighted India’s AI strategy, framed around the principle of "AI for All." "Today, India’s top priority is technology that serves humanity—innovation centred around people. This guiding principle has driven our digital revolution and lies at the core of India’s digital public infrastructure. Our AI vision is built on the concept of ‘AI for All,’ dedicated to the welfare and happiness of every individual," he declared. The remarks echo earlier statements about India’s commitment to inclusive AI deployment.
Bharat Innovates 2026 is part of a broader year‑long partnership that began in January 2026 with joint events in Paris and Nice. The India‑France Year of Innovation seeks to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, building on a long history of bilateral engagement that includes nuclear, space and defence collaboration.
According to the event’s concept note, the 120 Indian deep‑tech innovators were selected for their potential to impact global markets. The 15 Indian higher‑education institutions include premier technical institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science. Over 500 investors—ranging from venture‑capital firms to global industry leaders—attended the conclave.
Modi’s visit to Evian and Paris from 16 to 18 June will extend beyond the conclave. He will participate in multilateral dialogues, including high‑level discussions at the G7 summit, where he will join other world leaders to discuss global economic and security issues.
The Bharat Innovates 2026 event is seen as a launchpad for Indian startups to secure international partnerships and investment. The focus on semiconductors, for example, aligns with India’s recent push to develop domestic chip manufacturing capabilities. The inclusion of space technology reflects the country’s growing ambitions in satellite launch and space exploration.
The event also signals a broader trend of India positioning itself as a global innovation hub. According to the concept note, the conclave’s objective is to accelerate innovation by connecting startups with investors, academia and industry. The emphasis on "AI for All" and inclusive growth is intended to address concerns about data privacy, skill shortages and ethical use of AI.
In summary, the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice marks a significant moment in India‑France cooperation. It showcases India’s transition from technology adopter to provider, highlights the country’s commitment to inclusive AI, and offers a platform for deep‑tech startups to engage with global investors and partners.
The event’s outcomes will likely influence future collaborations, investment flows and policy discussions around AI, semiconductors and space technology. The next steps will involve follow‑up meetings between Indian and French stakeholders, potential joint ventures, and the continuation of the India‑France Year of Innovation initiatives.
