Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 deep-tech conclave in Nice, France, on Sunday [1].
The event marks a strategic push to integrate the technological ecosystems of India and France. By showcasing deep-tech capabilities, both nations aim to secure investment partnerships and accelerate the India-France Year of Innovation [3].
The conclave runs from June 14 to June 16, 2026 [1, 2]. The initiative focuses on strengthening cross-border innovation and providing a platform for India's emerging deep-tech sector to engage with European markets [3].
According to event data, 120 startups are participating in the showcase [4]. The event also involves more than 15 premier institutions [4]. These participants aim to foster collaborative research and development in advanced technologies.
Prior to the inauguration in Nice, a roadshow was held in Paris. That preliminary event engaged more than 50 stakeholders to attract global investors and establish deep-tech partnerships [7].
The collaboration between Modi and Macron emphasizes a shared goal of technological sovereignty and economic growth. The event serves as a primary vehicle for the two countries to synchronize their digital and industrial strategies, an effort to move beyond traditional trade into high-tech co-development [3].
While some reports previously mentioned Paris as the primary site for the event, the inauguration took place in Nice [1, 2, 5].
“120 startups are participating in the showcase”
The launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 signals a shift in India-France relations from buyer-seller dynamics to a partnership of co-innovation. By focusing on deep-tech—which involves high-barrier engineering and scientific breakthroughs—the two nations are attempting to reduce reliance on third-party technology providers and build a joint strategic corridor for artificial intelligence and advanced computing.
