The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, has launched two major initiatives aimed at empowering the state’s youth and encouraging self-reliance. At a ceremony held at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, the leaders introduced the Punjab Startup App and the Entrepreneurship Mindset Course, marking a milestone in higher education. With this initiative, Punjab has become the first state in India to make entrepreneurship a compulsory subject at the college and university level. Education Minister Harjot Bains and other senior officials were also present during the launch.
The Punjab Startup App is designed to connect over eight lakh students studying in universities, colleges, ITIs, and polytechnics across the state. Students will use the platform to develop and implement startup ideas, earning two academic credits each semester based on their entrepreneurial performance. In its first phase during the 2025-26 academic session, the program will be rolled out in 20 universities, 91 polytechnics, and 320 ITIs, benefiting around 1.5 lakh students. By 2028-29, the government aims to extend its reach to over five lakh students.
Available in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, the app features round-the-clock AI support to assist students in refining their business ideas. A team of professional mentors will also provide guidance throughout the process. Every semester, students will present a new idea and receive academic credits based on their progress and income, making the program a blend of learning and practical earning.
Addressing the event, Arvind Kejriwal said that Punjab’s initiative could become a national model. He added that this program gives young people not just dreams but a real path to turn them into achievements. According to him, if such an approach were adopted across India, it could transform the country into an economic superpower. Kejriwal also announced that the course would be introduced in professional programs like BBA, B.Com, B.Tech, and B.Voc from the 2025-26 session and would later be included in all degree courses.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann highlighted the struggles faced by educated youth in finding jobs and said that this program will allow students to earn while they study. He cited YouTube as an example of how a college project can grow into one of the largest companies in the world. Within just two weeks of its launch, the app has already seen 75,000 registrations and transactions worth Rs 25 lakh, he revealed.
Taking this vision further, the Punjab government has also introduced entrepreneurship education at the school level, starting from class 11. The goal is to encourage business thinking and financial independence early on, enabling students to become future job creators rather than job seekers.
The program also focuses on practical training by helping students learn how to design business plans, manage finances, handle marketing, and understand customer service. Whether a student wants to open a small shop, build an online business, or create a new product, the app provides an inclusive platform for all kinds of entrepreneurial ideas.
Linking the initiative to the vision of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the government emphasized that the mission is not just about economic development but also about social empowerment and dignity. The state believes that if this model is adopted nationwide, it could become a key step toward eliminating unemployment and transforming India into a leading global economy.
