As the Union Budget 2026 approaches on February 1, India’s vibrant startup ecosystem stands at a pivotal moment. With the nation advancing toward its Viksit Bharat vision, entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators are keenly observing how the upcoming budget will support growth, innovation, and resilience across sectors.
At Startup Success Stories, we believe the real pulse of the economy lies in the voices of those building it from the ground up. That’s why we’ve compiled Pre-Budget 2026 Voices: Quotes from Entrepreneurs on Shaping India’s Future – a collection of direct insights from leading entrepreneurs across startups, tech, MSMEs, and beyond.
These unfiltered quotes capture their perspectives on key areas that matter most right now, from taxation and funding to innovation, scaling, and sustainable progress. As the budget presentation draws near, these thoughts offer a glimpse into what India’s builders hope will fuel the next phase of entrepreneurial momentum and national development.
Ms. Arushi Jain, Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals: “India has earned global recognition as a reliable, large-scale supplier of affordable medicines, yet our investment in research and development remains disproportionately low. While the country spends roughly $3 billion on pharma R&D, the United States invests close to $50–60 billion and China nearly $15–20 billion. This gap is not just numerical—it reflects a wider innovation deficit that limits India’s ability to create breakthrough therapies, build future-ready technologies, and strengthen long-term healthcare resilience. The upcoming Budget presents a crucial opportunity to change this trajectory by placing pharma innovation at the centre of national priorities.
However, innovation in pharmaceuticals cannot exist in silos. Alongside R&D funding, there is an urgent need to support advanced manufacturing, workforce skilling, quality digitization, and technology-driven compliance systems that strengthen trust across the healthcare value chain. Fiscal support that encourages automation, digital traceability, anti-counterfeiting solutions, and global regulatory alignment will help Indian companies move up the value curve—from volume-led manufacturing to precision-driven, quality-first delivery.
Equally important is strengthening the institutional capacity of government departments responsible for drug approvals, licensing, and quality monitoring. Adequate budgetary allocation toward regulatory infrastructure, skilled manpower, and review systems can significantly enhance the speed and predictability, of approval timelines—particularly for innovative and complex therapies. Empowering regulators with advanced tools will not only enable timely evaluation of new products but also reinforce robust enforcement of quality standards. A well-resourced, technology-enabled regulatory ecosystem will foster greater industry confidence, encourage innovation-led investments, and ensure that patient safety and quality excellence remain central to India’s pharmaceutical growth story.
Targeted tax incentives for R&D-led companies, dedicated funding for high-risk early-stage research, and policies that promote industry–academia collaboration will be critical. At the same time, strengthening the role of CDMOs as long-term innovation partners—rather than just manufacturing backends—can accelerate drug development, enable faster technology transfer, and support the scaling of complex and regulated therapies. A forward-looking budget that integrates research, manufacturing excellence, skill development, and digital quality infrastructure will determine how competitive and resilient India’s healthcare ecosystem remains in the decades to come.”
Mr. Sidhartha Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories Ltd.: “As the auto industry continues to evolve, the Union Budget 2026 comes at a crucial time, especially after a strong recovery driven by GST 2.0 reforms that have improved compliance and strengthened supply chains. Sustained focus on infrastructure development, support for domestic manufacturing and skill upgradation will be key to maintaining growth momentum across the auto and auto ancillary sector as volumes rebound across segments. The industry is also looking for continuity, along with a renewed push towards localization, innovation and ease of operations to enhance global competitiveness. A forward looking budget that supports manufacturing scale-up, road safety and policy stability will enable companies like ours to invest with confidence, create employment and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey as a global automotive manufacturing hub.“
Mr. Manhar Garegrat, Country Head – India, Liminal Custody: “India’s crypto conversation has largely focused on enforcement and taxation, but the next phase needs to address market structure and sustainability.
The real question for Budget 2026 is not whether virtual digital assets should exist, but how regulated activity can be kept onshore, transparent, and economically viable. Today, compliant Indian participants face friction that often pushes volumes offshore, weakening oversight rather than strengthening it.
Budget 2026 should therefore focus squarely on VDAs. One meaningful step would be to rethink transaction-level taxation. The current withholding mechanism adds operational burden without materially contributing to revenues. A more effective alternative would be a VDA transaction tax, similar to the securities transaction tax in capital markets that achieves traceability while also generating predictable revenue.
Such a structure would help bring volumes back to spot markets, reduce excessive reliance on high-risk derivatives, and introduce greater stability into a growing ecosystem that is increasingly intersecting with mainstream finance.”
Shri Mahavir Goel, Chairman, Venkateshwar International School: With Budget 2026 on the horizon, the education sector is looking forward to policy measures that meaningfully enhance learning quality. With nearly 40% of India’s population under the age of 25, upcoming reforms must prioritise robust digital infrastructure, encourage a culture of deep research, and enable a futuristic curriculum rooted in AI, data science, and emerging technologies. This calls for increased public investment in digital learning, teacher development, and infrastructure that can genuinely strengthen and future-proof India’s education ecosystem.
Mr. Utham Gowda, Founder and CEO, Captain Fresh: We need to uniquely position India to lead in the next wave of global protein demand. In the 1960s, we fought for calorie security (Green Revolution). In 2026, we must aim for protein sovereignty. If we don’t own the protein chain, we will keep exporting commodities and importing value.
Seafood is India’s proof-of-concept that we can climb the agri-value chain. It sits within a $600 billion global protein economy and has already demonstrated that India can produce at scale for some of the world’s most demanding markets. The next unlock is downstream.
The Union Budget 2026–27 can accelerate this shift with three levers. One, a brand India fund to make India-origin seafood a premium label. (Think, Norwegian salmon!) Two, a value-added processing PLI to move from frozen raw to table-ready formats, where pricing power sits. Three, incentivising AI-led traceability and preventive quality at source can strengthen access to high-compliance markets while improving realisation per tonne.
As India tracks toward a $5 trillion economy by FY 2028–29, value-added protein exports can become a strategic engine to build foreign exchange strength and employment density in the agri-food sector. Recognising protein as a strategic export category within India’s roadmap, we can become a premium nutritional partner to the developed economies. We should not approach this as just trade; it is an industrial policy by design.
Mr. Jitin Bhasin, Founder & CEO, SaveIN: As India scales toward a $5 trillion economy, Union Budget 2026 presents a critical window to catalyse domestic consumption and strengthen the backbone of the startup ecosystem. While the government’s digital-first approach has been transformative, the next phase of growth requires deeper fiscal reforms that reward long-term ‘patient’ capital. We hope to see a rationalization of Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax to bring parity between unlisted startup shares and listed equities, which is essential to encourage domestic investors to back Indian innovation over the long haul. Furthermore, to truly drive ‘Ease of Doing Business’ for consumer-facing startups, simplifying the GST framework for financial services and expanding the scope of credit guarantee schemes will be game-changers. By reducing the collateral burden for startups and providing tax incentives for technology adoption in non-metro markets, the Budget can unlock a massive wave of affordability and credit penetration. This will allow millions of Indian household to unlock access to flexible, formal credit for their evolving lifestyle needs in line with our growing economic might.
Mr. Ravi Kumar, CEO Cubastion: This year’s Union Budget can help the Indian software industry scale up from pilot projects to full-blown deliveries. The Indian government has laid an impressive foundation with fully digital public infrastructure and emerging sectors such as AI. Now, the focus needs to be on implementation. Support for the adoption of AI is one of the major expectations. This is because start-ups, as well as software companies, require ease of access to computing resources, guidelines on the use of data in the cloud, as well as factors that will help them develop AI solutions that address problems. For technology service providers, exports are very important. Facilitation of high-tech exports, skills development, and timely approval of foreign projects will help Indian players compete internationally. We urge the government to support those building valuable, scalable solutions for businesses and the government. With sustained policy support, the Indian software industry can provide high-quality employment, go up the value chain, and contribute more to India’s digital evolution.
We also urge the government to provide clearer and predictable data sovereignty and localisation policies so that Indian software and AI companies can build secure, globally trusted solutions from India and attract more investment.
Mr. Madhu Rajputra Peravalli – Co-founder, Troogue: We keep talking about enabling startups, but real scale comes when the government becomes a customer, not just a regulator. A single government project says more to investors than ten pitch decks. On skilling too, we need to be brutally honest, training that doesn’t lead to employability is just expensive motivation. I would request the FM to consider funding platforms linking skilling to hiring. We also need to democratise AI access, which is currently affordable for only big tech, in order for India to become a leader in AI-led innovation. Finally, strengthening R&D tax incentives for startups building original IP will boost innovation, create more jobs and foster an environment wherein startups thrive.
Sandeep Khuperkar – Founder and CEO, Data Science Wizards: “As India enters the next phase of AI-led growth, the focus must move beyond adoption to operating AI securely and at scale within enterprise systems. The upcoming Budget presents an opportunity for the government to support the creation of a strong Enterprise AI operating system – one that enables organizations to build, deploy, integrate and govern AI and agentic workloads without vendor lock-in, while retaining full control over their data, IP and source code. Strategic public investment and policy support in this area will be critical to building a resilient, open and globally competitive AI ecosystem for India.”
Mr. Akash Agrawalla, Co-founder, ZOFF Foods: For the FMCG sector, particularly food and spice brands, our expectation from the Union Budget is a sustained focus on consumption growth and supply-chain stability. Strengthening agri-linkages, food processing, storage, and logistics infrastructure will be critical in managing input volatility and ensuring price stability in farm-linked categories like spices. We also look forward to easier and faster access to credit for MSMEs and rationalisation of GST on essential food inputs to support efficient scaling. Increased rural spending and income support can further drive demand across Tier II and III markets. Importantly, policy predictability around taxation and compliance will give FMCG brands the confidence to plan long-term investments in capacity building and brand growth. A budget that supports farmers, MSMEs, and domestic food manufacturing will strengthen the agri-FMCG ecosystem and enable sustainable, responsible growth for Indian brands.
Mr. Satya Yeruva, Co-Founder & CEO of FinStackk: As a platform deeply involved in accounting, compliance and cross border business structuring, FinStackk would expect the upcoming budget to prioritise tax certainty and procedural simplification. Faster and fully automated GST refunds, clearer guidance on transfer pricing and foreign remittances, and rationalisation of compliance timelines would significantly ease the burden on startups and global businesses. Additional incentives for SaaS and fintech led service providers, investment in digital public infrastructure for finance, and continued support for MSME formalisation would help strengthen India’s position as a preferred base for global entrepreneurship. A stable policy environment enables businesses to scale with confidence, while maintaining strong governance and financial transparency.
Mr. Akhil Nair, Founder and CEO of BigTrunk Communications: Marketing has become a core growth driver of India’s digital economy, but policy support now needs to catch up with how the industry actually operates. As Indian agencies scale globally, the focus in the Union Budget must shift from broad intent to targeted enablement. AI-led marketing innovation and advanced analytics are no longer optional capabilities, they are essential for global competitiveness. Allocations that support AI and ML research for marketing use cases, along with incentives for MSMEs to adopt MarTech tools such as CRM, automation and analytics, can significantly accelerate maturity across the ecosystem. At the same time, simpler compliance frameworks and clearer taxation structures for digital service exports will help Indian agencies compete more effectively on the global stage. Continued investment in Digital Public Infrastructure will further strengthen omnichannel growth and reinforce India’s ambition to build world-class, export-ready digital businesses.
Mr. Ekash Garg, Co-founder & CEO of Cravicious Foods: India’s food processing and frozen foods sector is emerging as a critical pillar of value-added agriculture and urban consumption. With rising demand for hygienic, convenient, and ready-to-cook foods, the Union Budget should prioritise stronger support for cold-chain infrastructure, modern food processing facilities, and advanced freezing technologies. Incentives for in-house manufacturing, quality certification, and energy-efficient cold storage will help domestic brands scale sustainably while reducing wastage across the agri and poultry ecosystem. Simplified compliance, GST rationalisation for frozen foods, and easier access to working capital can further accelerate growth for bootstrapped manufacturers. At Cravicious Foods, we see policy support that strengthens farm-to-fork supply chains and promotes clean-label, export-ready production as critical to positioning India as a global hub for high-quality frozen foods.”
Dr. C Vinod Hayagriv, Managing Director & Director Of C. Krishniah Chetty Group Of Jewellers: “India’s gems and jewellery sector is navigating the dual pressure of elevated gold and silver prices and slowing volume growth, making the Union Budget a timely opportunity to restore momentum through pragmatic reforms. My recommendations in an unbiased productive manner are- First, a reduction in gold import duty to 3 percent which would immediately ease cost pressures on an essential product consumed across income segments, while reviving livelihoods across the value chain from goldsmiths to manufacturers. And second, offering a greater transparency through the publication of gold bar numbers on accessible customs department portals, enabling verification of duty-paid imports and strengthening formal compliance. Another important area in these turbulent lower sales turnovers for the jewellery industry is permitting more beneficial inventory management as current high gold & silver rates have in many cases inflated inventory values thereby mandating income tax on notional values. Unprecedented world events are impacting many small & medium jewellery businesses (manufacturing & distribution) making higher capital requirements, interest costs, lower income thus adversely impacting manufacturing activity.”
Mr. Shishir Gupta, Co-founder & CEO of Oakter: We at Oakter expect the Union Budget 2026–27 to strengthen India’s ambition to become a global hub for original design manufacturing and electronics innovation, not just assembly-led production. For companies building products from concept to scale in India, the priority must be design-linked incentives, deeper component localisation, and easier access to working capital. Expanding and refining PLI support for ODM-led manufacturing, alongside targeted incentives for batteries, power electronics, IoT hardware, and semiconductor-linked supply chains, will significantly improve global competitiveness. The Budget should also focus on lowering the cost of manufacturing through stable GST structures, faster input tax credits, and infrastructure support for automated factories. This will enable Indian manufacturers to move up the value chain, create IP-driven products for global markets, and position India as a trusted source of world-class, innovation-led electronics manufacturing.
Mr. Sameer Moidin, Founder & CEO of EVeium Smart Mobility: The Union Budget 2026–27 must capitalize on the momentum of India’s electric two-wheeler segment, which dominated the EV market in 2025 and already serves millions of daily commuters. The focus should be on Make in India electric two-wheelers that are not just assembled locally, but designed, manufactured, and scaled domestically to create jobs, build resilient supply chains, and reduce import dependency. Incentives should drive battery localisation, affordable financing, and mass-scale production, while sustained investment in robust, widely accessible charging infrastructure will make EVs practical for all users, not just urban elites. At EVeium, we believe this Budget has the power to turn India’s electric mobility promise into reality, making EV ownership accessible, supply chains stronger, and domestic manufacturing world-class, cementing India’s position as a global EV leader.
Dr Sheetal Jindal, MBBS, MD OBG, EPHM (IIM Kolkata) Senior consultant and medical director (Director Medical Genetics program – Jindal Ivf Chandigarh): As India’s healthcare sector evolves, the Union Budget 2026-27 must strategically support inclusive reproductive care and affordable fertility solutions. With healthcare allocations already expanding year-on-year to strengthen infrastructure, medical education, and universal coverage, there is a strong case for targeted incentives for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like IVF. This should include subsidies or tax relief for fertility treatments, inclusion of multiple IVF cycles under public health schemes or insurance, and enhanced funding for training and research in reproductive medicine to ensure quality outcomes nationwide. Such policy support would not only improve accessibility for millions of hopeful parents from tier-2 and tier-3 cities but also help address India’s shifting fertility trends by empowering families with choice and care. At Jindal IVF, we envision a Budget that champions equity and innovation in reproductive health, making world-class fertility care more affordable and widely available.
Mr. Mannuri Vamshi Krishna, Founder & CEO of SafeCredits: The Union Budget 2026–27 offers a timely opportunity to strengthen India’s enterprise and MSME ecosystem by advancing digital credit governance, risk transparency, and ease of doing business. For large corporates and fast-growing SMEs, managing credit across complex distributor and dealer networks remains a key challenge that directly impacts cash flows, compliance, and operational efficiency. The Budget should encourage wider adoption of AI-driven risk management and RegTech platforms through targeted incentives, expanded support for Digital Public Infrastructure, and continued backing for SaaS and deep-tech innovation. Policy measures that promote paperless onboarding, automated KYC, real-time payment monitoring, and seamless ERP-integrated fintech solutions will significantly reduce friction, defaults, and turnaround times. At SafeCredits, we believe a forward-looking policy framework can shift enterprises from manual, reactive credit control to predictive, data-led decision-making, enabling faster collections, stronger governance, and transparent, scalable B2B ecosystems.
Mr. Vikram Labhe, Founder & CEO, Melooha: We at Melooha view the Union Budget 2026–27 as a pivotal moment to accelerate India’s leadership in AI-driven consumer platforms and data-led digital services. As AI adoption deepens across sectors, policy emphasis on applied AI, scalable cloud infrastructure, and sovereign data ecosystems will be critical to building globally competitive digital-first businesses. Support for multilingual AI, vernacular computing, and responsible data frameworks can unlock mass-market personalisation at scale, particularly across India’s diverse user base. Incentives for AI-led SaaS innovation, digital skilling, and cross-border service exports will enable Indian platforms to expand globally while remaining rooted in trust and compliance. Simplified regulations and tax rationalisation for digital-native companies can further strengthen India’s position as a hub for next-generation AI-powered consumer technology.
Mr Rahul Jain, Managing Director at Matrix Geo Solutions: We at Matrix Geo Solutions expect the Union Budget 2026–27 to accelerate India’s infrastructure and digital transformation by strengthening policy support for geospatial technologies, drone-based surveying, and data-driven planning. Priority should be given to wider adoption of LiDAR, GIS, photogrammetry, and AI-enabled geospatial analytics across national infrastructure, water resources, disaster management, and urban development programs. Enhanced allocations for geospatial data infrastructure, streamlined drone regulations, and incentives for indigenous technology development will improve project accuracy, speed, and cost efficiency. The Budget should also encourage integration of geospatial intelligence with BIM, digital twins, and smart infrastructure platforms. Such measures will enable better decision-making, faster execution of large-scale projects, and position India as a global leader in geospatial engineering, modern surveying, and technology-driven infrastructure development.
Mr. Girish Hirde, Global Delivery Head at InfoVision: As India’s IT services industry and GCC ecosystem continue to scale, the upcoming Union Budget presents an opportunity to reinforce the fundamentals that enable consistent, high-quality delivery. Continued investment in secure, reliable digital and physical infrastructure will further strengthen India’s position as a preferred destination for global capability centers and long-term client programs. In parallel, clear policy direction on AI adoption and workforce readiness will be critical to building a world-class, innovation-driven engineering talent base that can deliver sustained value with confidence and predictability.
