Says state aims to create more opportunities for youth, promote entrepreneurship and attract new-age industries

Mohali, 19 September (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday addressed the ISB Leadership Summit 2026 at the Indian School of Business’s Mohali campus, where he said the state government was working to strengthen the ecosystem for entrepreneurship, innovation and employment generation.

The summit, themed “India Unbound: Defining Tomorrow’s Leadership,” is ISB’s annual leadership conclave involving business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and students. Mann delivered the opening keynote at the Mohali edition on September 19.

Addressing students and industry representatives, Mann said Punjab’s youth had no shortage of talent or energy but needed appropriate platforms, financial support and institutional backing to turn innovative ideas into viable ventures.

He said the state government had established a startup centre and was encouraging entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the “Business Blasters” programme in Schools of Eminence. According to Mann, students are being provided seed money to develop business ideas, while promising concepts are also being encouraged for patents and further development.

The Chief Minister urged young people to look beyond conventional career options and focus on creating enterprises and solutions capable of generating employment for others. He said leadership should not be viewed merely in terms of holding positions of authority, but through the ability to take initiative, solve problems and create opportunities.

Inviting industrialists and investors to expand their presence in Punjab, Mann said the state government wanted to develop Punjab as a hub for industry, technology, startups and innovation. He added that while Punjab would remain proud of its agricultural identity, industrial growth was also necessary for creating employment and ensuring long-term economic development.

Mann also highlighted Mohali’s potential as a technology and entrepreneurship centre and referred to the startup incubator at Kalkat Bhawan. He said the government’s objective was to create opportunities within Punjab so that young people could start businesses and build careers in the state.

Congratulating ISB on completing 25 years, Mann said institutions combining research, management education and entrepreneurship could play an important role in preparing future business leaders. ISB is marking its silver-jubilee year in 2026, having completed 25 years since its founding.

He also called upon ISB students and alumni to contribute to Punjab’s economic development through investment, mentoring, innovation and employment creation.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH