With the presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February, the industry is looking forward to a period of growth and stability propelled by fresh policies and other provisions from the budget announcement. Among the key initiatives include the setting up of a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education with a total outlay of 500 crore and creation of a National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India” initiatives.
India is moving towards a $1 trillion digital economy, and its contribution to the government’s aim of a $5 trillion GDP by 2025 is going to be undoubtedly crucial. The Union Budget 2025-26 is expected to play a role in advancing India’s aim of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
Below are the post-budget quotes from some tech and business leaders.
Vishak Raman, Vice President of Sales, India, SAARC, SEA and ANZ at Fortinet
‘Viksit Bharat’ lays out a clear road map for developing the skills sets of our future workforce to accelerate growth with skilled labour and meaningful employment. The emphasis on scientific thinking is seeded at the school level with the setting up of Fifty thousand Atal Tinkering Labs to cultivate a culture of Innovation among young minds. This goes all the way to funding ten thousand fellowships at IITs and IISc for technology researchers at the highest level.
Five National Centres of excellence in skilling with global expertise is a good example of private public partnership to ensure the best of curriculum for manufacturing. We also now have a fourth Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education and this investment clearly outlines we need a pool of talent that will help us to exploit the potential of AI in various fields.
We welcome the 50% duty cut on switches for telecom as this will reduce the cost of secure networking for the service providers. The cybersecurity skills gap remains a major concern as we continue to struggle in securing our digital assets. In the area of cybersecurity training and upskilling we at Fortinet are at the forefront of addressing the skills gap and are closely working with CERT-IN and AICTE where one lakh internship is on offer to professionals interested in starting a career in cybersecurity.
IT and Technology Expertise will continue to drive economic growth with the Deep Tech Fund of Funds for start-ups supporting first time entrepreneurs to innovate and ideate new business opportunities. The four powerful budget engines chug along very nicely for Agriculture, MSME, Investment and Export growth taking everyone along on this journey of prosperity and resilience.
Subhasis Majumdar – Managing Director – Vertiv
“The Union Budget 2025 marks a transformative milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in manufacturing, technology, and innovation. We welcome the Government’s renewed focus on manufacturing through the National Manufacturing Mission, a key initiative that positions India to lead on the global stage. By focusing on building domestic capacities, integrating into global supply chains, and forming industry facilitation groups, this mission is set to significantly boost businesses and propel the ‘Make in India’ vision forward. Moreover, the integration of Industry 4.0 will unlock new opportunities by harnessing the immense potential of our youth’s skills and talent, laying the foundation for a more competitive, self-reliant India.
The Budget’s commitment to transformative reforms, particularly in the power sector, aligns perfectly with India’s ambition to enhance its global competitiveness. These efforts, coupled with a modern regulatory framework and a continued focus on ease of doing business, are vital to creating an environment where innovation and enterprise can flourish. This is a win for domestic production, a leap toward a greener future, and an essential step in establishing India as a global economic powerhouse.
Furthermore, the strategic investment in skilling, AI, and technological innovation is a testament to India’s commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining its edge in the digital revolution. The establishment of National Centres of Excellence for skilling and the PM Research Fellowship scheme for IITs and IISc will ensure India remains at the forefront of global advancements in AI and deep tech. As we move forward, this budget sets the stage for a more dynamic, inclusive, and innovation-driven India—ready to lead the world in the digital and technological age.”
Rajesh Doshi, Co-founder & Director at Zebronics
“The Union Budget 2025’s introduction of the National Manufacturing Mission will bolster the ‘Make in India’ initiative significantly along with the reforms for MSMEs and start-ups which will greatly encourage employment opportunities including women workforce, across all spectrums. Additionally, the revised New Income Tax regime, with no tax on income up to ₹12 lakh, underscores increase in disposable income, stimulating consumer spending and economic growth.
Kapal Pansari, Managing Director, Rashi Peripherals Limited (RP Tech)
“The Union Budget 2025 strengthens India’s commitment to domestic electronics manufacturing and aligns with the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India.’ The increase in the tax-free income threshold to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime is a welcome step that will raise disposable incomes, driving higher demand for consumer electronics, IT peripherals, and gaming products—key focus areas for RP Tech. Additionally, the government’s support for the electronics industry and rationalization of customs duties on key components will enhance local manufacturing competitiveness, further strengthening India’s position as a global electronics hub.
The push to promote Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Tier-2 cities will accelerate digital adoption and create new opportunities in emerging markets, supporting the broader goals of the ‘Digital India’ initiative. Policy measures encouraging domestic production of critical electronic components will contribute to a more self-reliant and resilient electronics supply chain. These initiatives collectively will drive the growth of the ICT sector, empower businesses, and ensure that cutting-edge technology reaches every household across the country. Overall this is a progressive budget targeted at inclusive growth.”
Sarvagya Mishra, Founder & Director at Superbot
“The Union Budget 2025 announcement has touched upon pivotal aspects to push the next wave of growth in India. We particularly commend the announcement of the Centre of Excellence for AI In Education, to be established with an outlay of INR 500 CR. Furthermore, the move to set up the Deeptech Fund of Funds and establish 5 new IITs after 2015, is another significant move, directed at boosting innovation in the space of AI and Tech. We commend the budget for its forward-looking measures and look forward to contributing towards India’s emergence as a global leader in the space of AI, Tech, and Innovation.- “Mr. Sarvagya Mishra, Founder & Director at Superbot”
Chinmay Hegde, Co-founder, CEO, and Managing Director of Astrikos.ai
“The Union Budget 2025-26 holds promise for urban infrastructure development, and the Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh crore for city redevelopment is a welcome move. I believe this initiative will be instrumental in accelerating India’s digital growth. Additionally, the proposed three Centers of Excellence for AI in education, with an outlay of ₹500 crore, mark a significant step—especially as the global AI race intensifies. Furthermore, the increase in the limits of Credit Guarantee Cover under the CGTMSE scheme for MSMEs from Rs. 5 Crore to Rs. 10 Crore is a positive step.”
Pinkesh Kotecha, MD & Chairman, Ishan Technologies
“The Union Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for India’s digital-first economy, with a clear emphasis on AI, deep tech, and digital public infrastructure. The introduction of the Deep Tech Fund of Funds is a significant move to accelerate next-generation startups in AI, blockchain, and advanced computing, fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Expanding broadband access under BharatNet to rural schools and health centers is a critical step in bridging the digital divide and enhancing last-mile connectivity.
The establishment of a ₹500 crore Centre of Excellence in AI for Education reinforces India’s commitment to AI-driven learning, ensuring a future-ready workforce. The National Framework for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) will further strengthen IT and outsourcing hubs in Tier-2 cities, driving infrastructure development and talent expansion.
Additionally, with increased PPP support for digital infrastructure under the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF), private sector investments in broadband and connectivity are expected to gain momentum. Together, these initiatives position India as a leading player in the global digital economy, accelerating the adoption of AI, deep tech, and emerging technologies. However, areas like data centers required more focused policy support to establish India as a regional digital hub. Clarity in AI regulation and security frameworks is also essential to ensure responsible AI adoption while fostering continued innovation.”
Manoj Kumar Singh, Director General of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA)
The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a comprehensive vision for accelerating India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat through transformative digital infrastructure development and economic reforms. As the Director General of Digital Infrastructure Providers Association, I am particularly encouraged by the government’s strategic initiatives that will catalyze growth across sectors.
The reduction in basic customs duty on carrier-grade Ethernet switches from 20% to 10%, bringing them at par with non-carrier-grade switches, is a significant step that will resolve industry disputes while reducing infrastructure costs. This, combined with BharatTradeNet’s introduction as a unified digital platform, demonstrates the government’s commitment to building robust digital infrastructure and enhancing our global trade competitiveness.
The budget’s focus on MSMEs is particularly noteworthy, with the enhanced credit guarantee cover from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore for micro-enterprises, injecting an additional ₹1.5 lakh crore credit over the next five years. The National Manufacturing Mission’s support for clean tech manufacturing, especially in EV batteries and solar panels, along with customs duty exemptions on 35 additional goods, showcases a clear push towards sustainable development and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The rationalization of TDS rates and increased thresholds mark significant relief for taxpayers. The doubling of tax deduction limits on interest income for senior citizens to ₹1 lakh and the increase in TDS threshold on rent payments to ₹6 lakh annually reflect a citizen-centric approach. Furthermore, raising the income tax limit to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime will boost consumer spending power and economic growth.
The comprehensive power sector reforms and increased state support for infrastructure development will strengthen the foundation needed for digital expansion, particularly in rural areas. The light-touch regulatory framework and emphasis on ease of doing business create an enabling environment for private sector participation and innovation.
These progressive measures, coupled with the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30, create a robust ecosystem for sustainable growth in the digital infrastructure sector. DIPA is committed to working alongside the government in realizing the vision of a digitally advanced and prosperous India, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach every corner of our nation.
Arun Prakash M, Founder and CEO of GUVI Geek Networks
“The growing emphasis on AI has been addressed well in the Union Government by inviting investments in AI for drug discovery. As India looks to advance its capabilities in AI, upskilling in relevant tech education will be imperative. The government’s decision to add broadband connections in government secondary schools to integrate digital learning, while also helping learners to understand the subjects better in their respective languages is commendable. Furthermore, the establishment of 5 national centres of excellence for upskilling to supplement Make for India and Make for the World will have long-term favourable implications on the future of millions of Indian talents, helping them to become critical contributors of the country’s bid to become a developed nation by 2047.”
Anuraag Saxena, CEO, E-Gaming Federation (EGF)
“Budget 2025-26 is a strategic blueprint for propelling India toward a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ The focus on skilling, AI-driven innovation, and global partnerships is aligned with the vision of a future-ready workforce. The establishment of National Centres of Excellence for Skilling and the emphasis on global skilling partnerships will equip India’s talent pool to meet the demands of high-growth sectors. The ₹500 crore Centre of Excellence for AI in Education will accelerate advancements in emerging technologies, vital for sunrise industries like online gaming. Furthermore, the ₹10,000 crore Fund for Startups will provide the capital to fuel innovation, helping startups scale across sectors, including those driving the digital economy. This budget positions Bharat as a key player on the global stage, creating opportunities for growth and leadership in the digital and innovation-driven industries”
Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack
Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, believes that the Union Budget 2025-2026 takes a strong step toward strengthening India’s startup ecosystem with the additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds. Access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles for emerging businesses, and this fresh infusion of funds will provide critical support for startups to innovate, expand, and create jobs. Additionally, the new scheme for first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs is a commendable move toward fostering inclusivity and diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape. At QuackQuack, we understand the challenges of building something from the ground up, and we believe such initiatives will empower more founders to take bold steps toward their dreams. This is a positive push toward making India a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Aparna Iyer, CFO, Wipro Limited
The Union Budget prioritizes economic progress by placing a strong emphasis on tax reforms, fostering innovation, and skills development, without losing sight of the fiscal deficit target.
With AI becoming an essential tool for a tech powered economy, it is heartening to see the introduction of Centers of Excellence (COE) for Artificial Intelligence in education. To position India as a leader in the global AI race, it is imperative to prioritize investment in STEM talent. We also have the digital infrastructure, and the talent pool required to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem capable of propelling innovation. To unleash this potential, it is also important to offer financial support and streamline the process of conducting business to bolster the startup community. The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) will provide the impetus to boost this ecosystem.
Rationalization of tax rate for middle class will also help in improving domestic consumption and household savings and it’s a welcome move. The budget has also continued its efforts towards improving ease of doing business through multiples measures such as rationalization of TDS and TCS compliances, changes to Transfer pricing assessments etc.. By prioritizing these key areas, India can solidify its position as a frontrunner in the global economy and harness the full potential of technological advancements and we commend the Government’s efforts in this direction.
Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd
“We welcome the progressive Union Budget 2025-2026, which has a future roadmap to steady reforms. It has a booster dose for India’s technology ecosystem. This is a growth-oriented budget with significant relief for the middle class. The Union Budget has sparked interest in the video security industry and its key stakeholders. The key announcements and provisions relevant to the video security industry are getting positive feedback.
The budget proposes establishing a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education, with an outlay of ₹500 crore. This initiative could have positive implications for AI-powered video security solutions. The Union Budget aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing through incentives and investments. This could lead to advancements in video security technology, such as improved camera sensors and processing capabilities. The budget proposes exempting customs duties on critical minerals, including lithium-ion battery scrap, which could benefit the manufacturing of security devices. The budget plans to expand broadband connectivity to rural schools and health centers, which could create new opportunities for video security solutions in these areas. The incentives for ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives can help the electronic security industry to expand and grow further.”
Girish Hirde, Global Delivery Head at InfoVision
“We appreciate the Union Budget 2025 announcement and believe that it balances that aspirational, futuristic growth with overall infrastructure development in the nation. The announcement of a Deeptech Fund of Funds to support technological advancements, while providing 10,000 Fellowships for tech research in IITs and IISc, under the PM Research Fellowship Scheme, is going to play a pivotal role in building national capabilities in the field of Deeptech & research. This, coupled with the establishment of Centre of Excellence for AI in Education, established with an outlay of INR 500 CR will prove to be another significant boost for indigenous capabilities and prowess. At InfoVision, we commend these developments and look forward to supporting India’s evolution as a global leader in Deeptech & AI.
Arun Balasubramanian, VP & MD, India & South Asia, UiPath
“The 500-crore budget allocation for establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for education will give a much-needed boost to India’s educational and technological ecosystem. We are also glad to see that five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be established to pave the way for youth towards global opportunities. This will be beneficial in driving innovation, raising the quality of education and improving employability in the long run.
The announcement of the DeepTech Fund of Funds and 10K fellowships for advanced research at IITs & IISc will be crucial in building a robust R&D ecosystem in India. The government’s proposal for a national guidance framework and boosting infrastructure development will help accelerate GCCs growth in emerging tier 2 cities, thereby increasing employment and boosting urban development.
Given the rapid evolution of technological advancements, the government’s emphasis on regulations is crucial to encourage their ethical and safe use. With these commitments, India will soon truly be Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and solidify its position as a global leader in technology and innovations.”
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder and CEO of IG Drones
The Union Budget 2025-26 delivers a significant boost to deep-tech innovation, AI, and indigenous manufacturing, reinforcing the government’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The ₹20,000 crore allocation for private sector-driven R&D and the Deep Tech Fund of Funds will accelerate advancements in AI-powered drone technology, enhancing applications in surveillance, infrastructure, disaster management, and precision agriculture. A key highlight is the expansion of credit guarantee cover, which will provide much-needed financial support to startups and MSMEs. The increase in guarantee cover from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore for MSMEs and from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore for startups will unlock additional credit worth ₹1.5 lakh crore over the next five years. This move is crucial for small and mid-sized drone manufacturers, helping them scale operations and compete in the global market. Additionally, enhanced credit support for exporter MSMEs will strengthen India’s drone export potential, positioning the country as a key player in the global UAV industry. While these initiatives are commendable, a structured roadmap integrating drone technology into agriculture and mining would unlock further potential. A dedicated Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drone manufacturing and export-friendly policies would further strengthen India’s position as a global drone technology leader. We look forward to leveraging these policy measures to scale innovation and drive impact across critical sectors.
Rajat Goel, Co-Founder at Emoneeds
“For mental health startups, the government’s move to expand medical education by increasing seats is a welcome push. Additionally, the introduction of credit guarantee cover and the new Fund of Funds is timely, especially as startup investments have declined, leaving many budding ventures in need of a lifeline. However, we recall the launch of the mental health helpline in the COVID-19 budget—and little action beyond that. There remains a critical need for expanded insurance coverage for mental health and related illnesses to address the root causes. Such a step would be both necessary and profoundly impactful.”
Tarun Gupta, Co-Founder at Lissun
The 2025-26 Union Budget presents an encouraging step forward in addressing the pressing need for systemic improvements in India’s healthcare. Lissun welcomes the expansion of medical education with 10,000 new seats in medical colleges and the focus on increasing specialized training to create a well-equipped workforce, which will positively impact the mental health sector. The credit guarantee cover and the new Fund of Funds, particularly for startups, is a promising move to foster innovation in mental health technology and services, enabling companies like ours to scale and enhance accessibility. We also appreciate the emphasis on the creation of cancer centers, as this marks a broader push towards health equity. However, as we look ahead, further targeted initiatives such as the integration of mental health into primary healthcare, insurance coverage for mental health, and investments in early intervention programs for neurodevelopmental disorders must remain priorities to truly revolutionize the mental health framework.”
Varun Babbar, Managing Director – India, Qlik
“The Finance Minister’s announcement of a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education with an outlay of ₹500 crore is a commendable step toward strengthening India’s AI ecosystem. Qlik’s recent AI survey highlights that 79% of AI decision-makers see India leading in AI skills within five years, yet challenges like talent shortages, governance complexities, and trust issues continue to slow AI adoption.
This initiative can play a pivotal role in bridging the AI skills gap, equipping future professionals with industry-relevant expertise, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs, five National Centres of Excellence for skilling, and the National Framework for GCCs in tier-2 cities will create new opportunities for high-skilled jobs and strengthen India’s digital economy.
By focusing on upskilling, research, and responsible AI deployment, these initiatives will not only boost India’s global AI competitiveness but also empower businesses with skilled talent to accelerate AI-driven transformation. At Qlik, we actively support this vision through our Qlik Academic Program, which provides students with hands-on analytics training to enhance employability and industry readiness.
As India moves towards a $1 trillion digital economy, collaborative efforts between the government, businesses, and educational institutions will be crucial in building a future-ready workforce and ensuring AI drives meaningful transformation across industries.”
