Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav set the tone for the MP Startup Summit 2026 with an impassioned speech that bridged millennia – celebrating India’s unparalleled scientific legacy and anointing startups as its contemporary powerhouse. ‘Our heritage is our horsepower,’ he told a packed auditorium in Bhopal.
The summit, envisioned as a catalyst for Atmanirbhar Bharat, spotlighted MP’s ascent in the national startup index, climbing from 18th to 8th rank. Yadav regaled the crowd with epics of innovation: plastic surgery in 600 BCE, atomic theory hints in Vaisheshika texts, and navigational prowess guiding oceanic voyages. ‘We taught the world to count and conquer,’ he beamed.
Backing vision with action, the CM rolled out the ‘Startup Madhya Pradesh 2026’ roadmap: zero-equity grants up to Rs 10 crore, AI-powered matchmaking for mentors-investors, and sector-specific clusters in biotech and renewables. With 1,500+ startups already, MP eyes unicorn status for five homegrown firms by 2028.
Attendees witnessed demo days, policy roundtables, and cultural fusions blending folk arts with pitch decks. Yadav’s closing pledge resonated: ‘Startups will make Madhya Pradesh the growth engine of central India.’ The event not only ignited ideas but cemented MP’s role in India’s $1 trillion digital economy dream.