Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab is rapidly emerging as a major destination for the information technology sector, with Mohali positioned to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on Monday.
Mann made the remarks after holding a meeting with a delegation of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) in Chandigarh. He said world-class infrastructure, a skilled talent pool, competitive business costs, Invest Punjab and the new GCC Policy 2026 were helping create a strong ecosystem for technology companies and attracting fresh investment to the state.
Sharing a video clip of the meeting on X, the Chief Minister said Punjab was working to become a leader in the IT sector and highlighted Mohali's growing appeal as a preferred technology destination in North India.
He said Punjab has access to a strong pool of skilled professionals from reputed institutions, including IIT and ISB, while investors are being supported through lower business costs, Invest Punjab and the new GCC Policy 2026.
Mann also invited NASSCOM to partner with the state in its state-of-the-art startup incubator in Mohali and contribute to strengthening Punjab's startup and innovation ecosystem.
Chief Minister said Punjab was focusing on technology-driven transformation and aimed to leverage emerging technologies to attract next-generation industrial investments.
Highlighting the state's focus on artificial intelligence in agriculture, Mann said Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), IIT Ropar and the Union Ministry of Agriculture have joined hands to deploy AI-based solutions across the state's agricultural sector. The initiative will focus on smart farming models, precision agriculture and predictive analytics to improve farm productivity and promote sustainability.
Mann said multinational companies were showing strong interest in investing in Punjab, particularly in Mohali. He highlighted the city's air, rail and road connectivity, advanced medical facilities, educational institutions and availability of land as key advantages for global companies and technology-driven investments.
He added that six world-class universities in and around Mohali provide companies with access to a large and skilled talent pool. According to the Chief Minister, the combination of human resources, infrastructure and connectivity makes the region well suited for companies looking to establish or expand their operations.
Mann further said Punjab was the first state in the country to enact the Right to Business Act, aimed at making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish businesses. He also highlighted the state's Single Window System and end-to-end digitised public service delivery, saying they had emerged as benchmarks for facilitating business operations.
Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was working to strengthen the investment ecosystem, promote technology-led growth and generate new employment opportunities for Punjab's youth.
Industries and Commerce and Investment Promotion Minister Aman Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
