New Delhi, September 11, 2026: Union Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi visited the BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where he interacted with deep-tech startups and innovators participating in the event. The Minister appreciated the range of deep-tech solutions on display and the efforts of young innovators contributing to India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The BRICS Bharat Innovates (BBI) Exposition 2026 is being held on September 11 and 12 at Bharat Mandapam as part of the activities surrounding the 18th BRICS Summit 2026, being hosted under India’s BRICS Chairship. The exposition is showcasing 37 Indian deep-tech startups and ventures, providing them with a platform to connect with investors, industry leaders, businesses and other stakeholders from BRICS member countries.
Pralhad Joshi Visits BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition
During his visit to the exposition, Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi interacted with participating deep-tech startups and innovators and reviewed the technology solutions being showcased.
The Minister appreciated the diversity of innovations on display and the contribution of young innovators towards strengthening India's research, technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The interaction provided an opportunity to highlight the work being undertaken by Indian startups in deep-tech and emerging technology areas and their potential to contribute to India's innovation-led growth.
37 Indian Deep-Tech Startups Showcase Innovations
The BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition is featuring 37 Indian deep-tech startups and ventures selected from the original cohort of 120 startups and ventures that participated in the first Bharat Innovates 2026 exposition in Nice, France.
The participating innovators are aligned with the theme of India's BRICS Chairship:
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The exposition is designed to showcase India's capabilities in deep-tech innovation while creating opportunities for participating startups to build international connections.
Startups to Connect with Global Investors and Industry
The exposition is being held alongside the BRICS Business Forum on September 11, enabling participating innovators to engage with CEOs, investors, business leaders and industry representatives from BRICS member countries.
The platform is expected to facilitate opportunities for:
- Business-to-business (B2B) engagements
- Technology partnerships
- Investment discussions
- Business linkages
- International market access
- Industry collaborations
- Connections with global investors
Structured matchmaking is being facilitated in coordination with FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM, giving startups additional opportunities to explore business and investment partnerships.
BRICS Bharat Innovates Linked to India’s Innovation Agenda
The exposition is part of Bharat Innovates, a national programme of the Union Ministry of Education aimed at connecting India's higher education innovation ecosystem with global stakeholders.
The programme brings together startups, higher education institutions, laboratories and research parks with corporates, investors, incubators, accelerators, universities, research institutions, governments and overseas alumni.
The BRICS edition also supports the BRICS Education Track priority of “Enhancing Research, Innovation and Start-up Ecosystems.”
PM Modi and BRICS Delegates Expected at Exposition
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi and heads of BRICS delegations are expected to visit the exposition. Senior Indian and international delegates associated with the BRICS Leaders’ engagements, along with CEOs, investors and senior business leaders from BRICS member countries, are also expected to visit the event.
For the participating startups, the high-profile exposition provides an opportunity to present Indian technologies to an international audience and explore potential commercial, investment and technology partnerships.
Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice
The New Delhi exposition builds on the first major edition of Bharat Innovates 2026, which was held in Nice, France, from June 14 to 16, 2026, under the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
The Nice edition showcased 120 Indian deep-tech startups and ventures across 13 thematic areas and 15 participating institutes, including IITs, IISc, BIRAC and iDEX.
The event attracted more than 2,000 participants from 29 countries and resulted in more than 30 collaboration MoUs and partnerships. Indian startups and ventures also secured US$254.5 million in funding commitments following around 1,350 B2B meetings.
The BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition seeks to build on these outcomes by creating additional international opportunities for Indian deep-tech innovators.
Focus on Research, Innovation and Startup Ecosystem
The event comes as India places greater emphasis on strengthening its research, innovation and startup ecosystem through international collaboration.
The Ministry of Education has identified Research, Innovation and Start-up Ecosystems as one of the five priority areas under India's BRICS Chairship 2026.
The other four priority areas are:
- Strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
- Skill Development and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
- Mutual Recognition of Qualifications
- Capacity Building for Academic Leadership and Institutional Development
Through the Bharat Innovates platform, the government aims to create stronger connections between India's research institutions, startups and international technology and business ecosystems.
The visit by Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi to the exposition further highlights the government's focus on supporting young innovators and showcasing India's growing capabilities in deep-tech and research-driven entrepreneurship.
FAQ
What is the BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition 2026?
The BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition is an event organised by the Ministry of Education in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs to showcase Indian deep-tech innovations and connect startups with international stakeholders during India's BRICS Chairship.
When is the BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition being held?
The exposition is being held on September 11 and 12, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
How many Indian deep-tech startups are participating?
A total of 37 Indian deep-tech startups and ventures are participating in the exposition.
Who visited the BRICS Bharat Innovates Exposition?
Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi visited the exposition and interacted with deep-tech startups and innovators. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and heads of BRICS delegations are also expected to visit the event.
What did Education Minister Pralhad Joshi appreciate at the exposition?
The Minister appreciated the range of deep-tech solutions displayed at the exposition and the efforts of young innovators advancing India's research and innovation ecosystem.
What opportunities are available to participating startups?
The exposition provides opportunities for B2B engagements, technology partnerships, investment discussions, business linkages and international market access with stakeholders from BRICS countries.
What is the Bharat Innovates programme?
Bharat Innovates is a national programme of the Ministry of Education designed to connect India's higher education innovation ecosystem with global stakeholders, including startups, research institutions, investors, universities and industry.
What was the outcome of the first Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice?
The Nice edition featured 120 Indian deep-tech startups and ventures, attracted more than 2,000 participants from 29 countries, facilitated around 1,350 B2B meetings and resulted in more than 30 collaboration MoUs and partnerships. Indian startups and ventures secured US$254.5 million in funding commitments.
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