At the ET Startup Awards 2026 in Bengaluru, Indian startups and leaders emphasized the growth potential driven by shifts in US visa policies, rising public market interest, and the need for government support in deeptech sectors.
- US H-1B visa restrictions seen as opportunity for India’s startups
- Indian founders increasingly consider early IPOs over private capital
- Deeptech firms seek government support amid global supply chain issues
What happened
The ET Startup Awards 2026 took place in Bengaluru, bringing together key figures from India's entrepreneurial ecosystem, including commerce minister Piyush Goyal, startup founders, investors, and policymakers. The event recognized outstanding contributions and innovations across diverse startup categories, spotlighting India's dynamic startup landscape.
During the event, Goyal addressed concerns over the changing US H-1B visa regime, asserting that these restrictions would not harm Indian talent or companies. Instead, he proposed that reduced overseas work opportunities could catalyze increased entrepreneurial activity and innovation within India’s major hubs like Bengaluru, Noida, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
Why it matters
Indian startup founders are recalibrating their growth and funding strategies in light of global and domestic market shifts. Meesho CEO Vidit Aatrey noted a trend among early-stage companies towards seeking public market listings sooner rather than relying solely on private capital, a practice more common in India than in the US for smaller firms. This suggests a maturing ecosystem with new pathways for growth and capital access.
Meanwhile, deeptech founders at the awards underscored critical supply chain challenges stemming from geopolitical tensions, such as in the Middle East, which impact components vital to space and surveillance technologies. They emphasized the indispensable role of government as an initial customer to validate and scale indigenous innovations, while also leveraging India's strong STEM talent to challenge global incumbents.
What to watch next
The trajectory of India's startup ecosystem will be closely watched as founders test the viability of early public offerings and continue to navigate fundraising dynamics post-IPO. Transparency and communication with investors will remain crucial for sustaining confidence and scaling businesses in the public eye.
In parallel, the evolving geopolitical landscape and supply chain vulnerabilities will require strategic government interventions to cultivate a supportive environment for deeptech startups. How effectively the government engages as a market customer and addresses infrastructure needs could shape India's competitiveness in cutting-edge technology sectors.