Chandigarh: Emphasising that Mohali is rapidly emerging as a major technology and start-up hub, Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora on Friday said the Punjab govt was establishing a dedicated start-up hub at Kalkat Bhavan, modelled after the world-renowned Pangyo Techno Valley in South Korea.Arora said he envisioned a transformative future for Mohali, stating that the city is rapidly on its way to becoming the “Silicon Valley”. “Just as South Korea has its Silicon Valley, Punjab will soon have its own in Mohali. The chief minister has already granted permission for the dedicated start-up hub project, which will serve as a nerve centre for innovation,” he said.Addressing a session titled “Brand Mohali” on the first day of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 at Plaksha University, the minister emphasised that Mohali was “no longer just a satellite town but a global technology and start-up destination”.Highlighting the competitive edge of the new Industrial Policy, Arora informed the gathering that power reforms were a cornerstone of the state’s strategy. “We moved IT companies and data centres from commercial to industrial power rates. Consequently, IT firms in Mohali will now receive the cheapest power in the entire country,” the minister highlighted.He further detailed the lucrative worker subsidies, offering Rs 5,000 per worker per month for IT firms and Rs 7,000 for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), with significantly lowered eligibility barriers to encourage small and medium enterprises.The session witnessed participation from leaders in the hospitality, IT, education and medical sectors. Arora noted the recent auction of the Mohali Convention Centre and the opening of an Infosys Centre as milestones in the city’s urban expansion.“Mohali is emerging as a destination not just for business, but for destination weddings and international conferences, given its proximity to the hills and the international airport,” he added.“By investing in Mohali, companies can hire the top 1% of Punjabi talent who prefer to stay close to their roots and culture, ensuring a much lower attrition rate compared to other tech hubs,” said the minister.On the healthcare front, Arora congratulated the expansion of local medical facilities, including a Rs 900 crore investment in hospital infrastructure, while urging private players to focus on “affordable healthcare”.MSID:: 129559460 413 |
