As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget for FY 2025-26 on February 1, leading voices from the industry share their insights and expectations. Here’s what they envision for India’s growth trajectory:
Mr. Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia
“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, targeted investments in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) should remain a key area of focus. With India’s AI market projected to reach $17 billion by 2025, there is a strong call for enhanced government support in AI research and innovation. This includes the need for research grants, tax incentives, and public-private partnership frameworks to make long-term AI research commercially viable.
We also strong anticipate enhancements in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to improve financial inclusion and integrate underserved communities into the economy. The budget should also consider the necessity of high-performance computing resources, data centers, and specialized AI hardware to support innovation. Government support through shared infrastructure models could democratize access to these essential resources and facilitate the growth of AI capabilities across the nation. Moreover, I hope to see initiatives that foster the development of robust EdTech ecosystems, enabling personalized learning solutions that meet the diverse needs of students.
In addition, the establishment of India’s first private semiconductor facility in Andhra Pradesh is expected to receive support in the upcoming budget. This initiative will bolster local manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign imports, which is vital for the tech sector’s growth. With the manufacturing sector being a critical driver of economic growth, we also hope for expanded Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes that could create millions of jobs while enhancing India’s manufacturing exports.
Overall, the Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity for the Indian government to accelerate economic growth through technology advancement, sustainable practices, and supportive fiscal policies that empower both businesses and consumers.”
Mr. Alok Dubey, Chief Finance Officer, Acer India
“The upcoming budget should prioritize India’s digital and technological growth by focusing on key areas such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and 5G infrastructure. Strengthening these areas will drive innovation and help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural India. We anticipate measures to boost R&D, semiconductor manufacturing, and green technologies, which are crucial for enhancing India’s position as a global technology hub. Policies that support startups, MSMEs, and local manufacturing—through refined PLI schemes and targeted subsidies—will play a pivotal role in strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reducing import dependency. Additionally, simplifying tax structures and investing in skill development will empower the tech ecosystem, driving long-term, sustainable growth. We are optimistic about the government’s continued focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and self-reliance, which align with our commitment to innovation and eco-friendly practices.”
Mr. Sunil Sharma, Vice President – Sales, Sophos India & SAARC
“With the recent introduction of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act rules, India has made significant strides in establishing a strong foundation for data protection and privacy. Ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26, we look forward to measures that will further strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity framework.
As the nation increases its investments in digital transformation and integration of artificial intelligence, it increases the need for proactive cybersecurity measures. Data breaches have taken over the news in the past year as critical sectors have been targeted. Adding to the threat of exploited vulnerabilities such as malicious links or confidential data being leaked, enterprises and employees alike have had to reconsider whether what meets the eye is the truth due to highly advanced deepfakes.
Investments in cutting-edge threat detection, incentivising secure digital practices, and fostering innovation in cyber resilience could greatly complement the country’s digital transformation journey. Additionally, as enterprises take on digital transformation or AI adoption, the focus on cybersecurity may fall by the wayside as there is a gap between supply and demand of skilled cybersecurity resources. Mitigating this issue requires investments in cybersecurity courses in educational institutes as well as continuous skilling opportunities for those already working. This will ensure that enterprises remains abreast with knowledge about all possible risks as well as the solutions.
With advancements in proactive cybersecurity, India can reinforce trust in its digital economy while ensuring sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving cyber landscape.”
Mr. Kapal Suresh Pansari, Managing Director, RP Tech
“The upcoming Union Budget is an important moment for the technology sector, and we are eager to see measures that support India’s digital-first ambitions. Incentives for Make in India initiatives and investments in infrastructure could significantly enhance the ICT supply chain. Additionally, policies fostering innovation and skill development will be key to strengthening India’s position as a global technology leader. We are optimistic about the budget paving the way for sustainable growth and new opportunities in the sector.”
Mr. Puneet Gupta, VP and MD, NetApp India/SAARC
“As India moves closer to becoming a global technology hub, the upcoming Union Budget presents a unique opportunity to accelerate our digital transformation journey. To fully harness the potential of AI and emerging technologies, the government should prioritize investments in building intelligent data infrastructure. Robust and scalable data solutions will serve as the backbone for AI readiness. It will enable businesses to leverage data efficiently and securely while driving innovation. Incentives for cloud adoption, data localization frameworks, and public-private partnerships in technology can further bolster India’s digital economy. A future-ready data ecosystem is essential for fostering economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness in the age of AI.”
Mr. Shrirang Deshpande, Strategic Program Head, Vertiv India
“The adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence (Al), cloud computing, and 5G, as well as exponential data consumption, are driving India’s booming digital economy. The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.07% to reach $10.09 billion by 2027.
India has established itself as a desirable worldwide hub for data center development thanks to its extensive linked power system, investments in renewable energy, and smart digital efforts. India’s skills perfectly complement the global emphasis on dependable and sustainable data solutions. We anticipate measures supporting the rise of data centers as the Union Budget draws near, such as incentives for integrating green energy, simplified regulations for expanding infrastructure as well as initiatives to improve connectivity in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, generating employment opportunities. Additionally, targeted policies could streamline processes for data centre vendors, enabling them to invest in advanced technologies and infrastructure. By this, India will be able to handle the growing needs for data both domestically and internationally and positioned to spearhead the global data revolution by meeting the vital demands of this industry, solidifying its standing as a digital powerhouse and potential location for investments in top-notch data infrastructure.”
Mr. Arun Balasubramanian, VP & MD, India & South Asia, UiPath
“With the union budget right around the corner, we are confident that the Government of India (GOI) will continue its efforts to achieve Viksit Bharat. The IMF has recently updated its forecast for India, now projecting a growth rate of 6.5 percent for FY26, driven by robust domestic demand and an expanding young workforce.
A key area for the GOI to make significant strides is investing in AI and agentic automation to enhance productivity and efficiency, which is crucial for our economic growth. Gartner predicts that AI investments in India will reach around $7.8 billion this year which proves the catalytic nature of the technology. Moreover, providing export incentives for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) will help boost our IT sector. This support will help these centers expand their operations and increase their contributions to India’s export revenues. We also expect the GOI to increase investments in reskilling initiatives focused on AI, automation, IoT, data analytics, robotics and cloud computing. Such initiatives will be essential for India to become the world’s leader in software technology.”
Ms. Swapna Bapat, Vice President & Managing Director, India and SAARC, Palo Alto Networks
“As we approach the 2025-26 Union Budget, Palo Alto Networks looks forward to continued investments in AI, cybersecurity up-skilling and innovation-led initiatives. It will be a step in the right direction of prioritizing, modernizing and securing legacy and new systems while fostering a skilled workforce capable of addressing emerging challenges in a digitally connected world. These efforts will safeguard essential services while driving the digital transformation of public infrastructure, offering citizens the safety and confidence in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
The Union Budget 2024 demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing employment, skilling, and economic growth for MSMEs and the middle class. With allocations such as ₹500 crore for the India AI Mission and ₹2 lakh crore for initiatives aimed at creating over 4 crore job opportunities, the government has laid a robust foundation for India’s digital and economic transformation.
Since then, we’ve witnessed remarkable advancements in India’s tech landscape, underscored by publishing the draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act on January 3. This step reinforces India’s capability to strengthen its digital infrastructure and safeguard its growing digital economy.”
Mr. Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India
“As we look forward to the Union Budget 2025-26, we are optimistic about measures that could empower India’s gaming ecosystem. With PC gaming titles likely to be a part of the Olympic Esports Games 2025, there’s an unprecedented opportunity to position India as a global gaming powerhouse. Provisions such as reduced customs duties on gaming hardware, tax incentives to foster growth, and investments in digital infrastructure could enhance accessibility and affordability for gamers across the country. Supporting the adoption of high-performance gaming PCs would not only fuel India’s gaming culture but also boost our chances of securing medals in global esports tournaments.
We hope the government continues its progressive approach toward the AVGC and gaming sectors, fostering an environment where innovation and competitive excellence thrive, driving India’s gaming revolution forward.”
Mr. Pramod Sharda, CEO of IceWarp India and Middle East
“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, we anticipate strategic reforms that bolster India’s digital ecosystem and drive technological self-reliance. The past few years have highlighted the transformative power of digital adoption across industries, and it is imperative that this momentum is sustained through forward-thinking policies.
We hope the government continues to prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, to bridge the digital divide and unlock the untapped potential of these regions. A reduction in GST rates on enterprise technology solutions would encourage businesses to adopt advanced tools, boosting productivity and fostering innovation.
Additionally, it is crucial to address cybersecurity, as the rise in digital adoption brings with it the need for robust frameworks to safeguard data and digital assets. Incentivizing investments in R&D for indigenous technology development will also be a step towards achieving digital independence.
Startups in the technology domain are a driving force behind India’s economic growth. We look forward to budgetary provisions that support their scaling efforts through relaxed compliance, simplified taxation, and increased funding opportunities.
At IceWarp, we remain committed to empowering organizations with cutting-edge enterprise communication and collaboration solutions, and we are optimistic that Budget 2025 will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.”
Mr. Sarvagya Mishra, Co-founder & Director at Superbot
“All eyes will be on the Finance Minister as she announced the Union Budget 2025. We believe that this year, we have an incredible opportunity to position India as the global hub for AI innovation and hope that the Union Budget 2025 will give a great boost to AI research, development, and commercialization to drive job creation and economic growth. The government should consider supporting entrepreneurship in the field, by introducing tax rebates and subsidies for AI start-ups in the domain of healthcare, education, and governance – promoting AI innovation in solving real world problems. The budget should look into addressing hyper-local challenges, improving agricultural yield or making education more accessible in India. Furthermore, provisions should also be in place for boosting the AI infrastructure, high-performance computing and skill building in the domain. The government should also consider giving tax rebates to companies investing in skill-based hiring or upskilling initiatives. The focus should also be in promoting start-up-specific investment funds or supporting tokenization models to enhance funding access to early-stage and growth-stage start-ups. The government may also have the critical task of ensuring data privacy, while allowing start-ups to innovate in creating global models of excellence. Government initiatives in promoting global collaboration will help Indian start-ups gain recognition and prominence at a global stage.”
Ms. Srividya Kannan, Founder and CEO of Avaali
For IT sector
“The 2025 Union Budget should focus on creating a robust ecosystem that incentivizes the adoption and development of AI across industries while empowering the tech workforce through structured learning initiatives. It is vital for the government to support R&D and innovation in AI so that India solidifies its position as a global leader in technology innovation. By aligning resources and policies to support the rapidly growing IT ecosystem, the government can significantly bolster India’s economy and technological standing on the world stage.”
For AI Technology and Business Applications
“Artificial Intelligence remains a pivotal focus in the economic progress of Indian businesses. I’m keen to see the government allocate subsidies, incentives, or grants specifically for developing AI-driven solutions. Policies supporting R&D in AI applications, particularly for enhancing automation, improving efficiencies, and enabling data-driven decision-making, will give Indian businesses a competitive edge in global markets.”
Mr. Sumit Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of DashLoc
“As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, it is crucial for the government to focus on bolstering the startup ecosystem by reducing regulatory complexities, which often hinder growth. Establishing dedicated IT software parks can provide startups with essential infrastructure and foster innovation. Additionally, simplifying access to loans through banks and government-backed schemes will ensure that startups can secure funding more efficiently, enabling them to scale and contribute significantly to the economy. These measures will create a conducive environment for startups to thrive and position India as a global leader in innovation.”
“India’s growth trajectory is at an exciting juncture, and we anticipate that the upcoming budget will play a crucial role in fostering technological advancements. The Government of India’s efforts to drive economic growth and promote innovation has been noteworthy. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has been a significant step in boosting manufacturing capabilities and encouraging investment.
At LTTS, we strongly believe that the government’s sustained emphasis on incentivizing investments in R&D and creating a conducive ecosystem for technology-led advancements can unlock immense potential for engineering services firms. Such initiatives will not only strengthen India’s standing as a preferred destination for global ER&D but also catalyze economic growth by delivering value across sectors like manufacturing, energy, and mobility. We expect the budget to further accelerate India’s growth momentum by introducing policies that promote investments in research and development, digital transformation and advanced skill development.
We are optimistic that the budget will introduce policies supporting innovation, sustainability, and growth, aligning with initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This will likely foster a business-friendly environment, boosting investments in research and development, digital transformation, and skill development, ultimately driving India’s growth momentum forward.”
Mr. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming
“Looking ahead to the Union Budget, we hope to see measures that accelerate the growth of India’s gaming and esports industry. Incentives for semiconductor design and manufacturing could bolster the tech ecosystem and elevate gaming hardware standards. Similarly, tax relief for middle-income groups could boost disposable income, creating opportunities for studios to develop India-centric gaming IPs.
Initiatives supporting AI skilling for rapid game deployment and quality assurance would play a pivotal role in keeping pace with global advancements, enabling faster development cycles and enhancing game quality. With the Olympic Esports Games approaching, investments in training infrastructure and coaching for esports athletes can solidify India’s position on the global stage. With the right support, gaming has the potential to drive economic growth and empower the next generation of talent in our country.”
Mr. Girish Hirde, Global Delivery Head at InfoVision
“As we approach Union Budget 2025, InfoVision anticipates a forward-looking agenda that addresses the transformative potential of AI and other cutting-edge technologies. We expect robust provisions to maintain India’s global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Key areas we hope to see addressed include investments in AI infrastructure, establishment of clear ethical guidelines for AI development, and tax incentives for companies investing in AI and emerging tech training programs.
Furthermore, we look forward to support for telecom advancements, particularly in 5G and 6G infrastructure, which are crucial for enabling AI and IoT applications at scale. We also anticipate increased allocation for cybersecurity to strengthen India’s digital defenses, enhanced funding for AI and deep-tech startups, and incentives for AI integration across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. By focusing on these areas, Budget 2025 can lay the foundation for India to lead in the AI era, creating sustainable job opportunities and driving optimal growth in the digital”
Mr. Sauvik Banerjjee, MD & CEO of Ziki & Sirrus.ai
“Emphasis on data security and emerging technologies is crucial for India’s technology evolution. As we look forward to Union Budget 2025-26, I believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) will find special mention this time, building on the Rs 10,000 crore allocated for the India AI Mission in March 2024. The government could further strengthen the tech ecosystem in the country by offering tax incentives for AI-based startups. Additionally, allocating resources for the establishment of AI research centres, besides launching upskilling programmes, could help us bridge the talent gap in the sector, positioning India as a global leader in AI technology.”
Mr. Sandeep Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of Droom
“As we move closer to the unveiling of Union Budget 2025, at Droom, we would appreciate policies that will give a push to drive India’s digital transformation, especially in the automotive sector. The previous budget announcements have been forward-looking in giving a boost to emerging technologies. And we expect this year’s budget to focus on boosting indigenous capabilities in AI and data science. These are going to be crucial frontiers in making vehicle buying and selling more transparent, affordable, and efficient. Furthermore, we’d look forward to measures that will bolster the used vehicle market in the country, such as tax rebates from eco-friendly vehicles, simplified GST structure for automatic services, etc. These measures will be critical in empowering platforms like Droom to offer more convenience and invoke more trust amongst our consumers, while contributing in meaningful ways to the nation’s economic growth and development.”
Mr. Sunil Sapra, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer of Eventus Security
“With the upcoming Union Budget, we anticipate a continued focus on strengthening India’s cybersecurity framework. As cyber threats evolve, it’s imperative for the government to prioritize investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and initiatives that enhance national resilience against emerging cyberattacks. Public-private partnerships will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring that organizations, especially SMEs, gain equitable access to the advanced security technologies. Further, it is important to include provisions that support skill development in the cybersecurity sector nurturing a robust talent pool capable of safeguarding our digital ecosystem. The increased adoption of AI and machine learning for threat detection and response also presents an opportunity to scale up our defense mechanisms. A forward-looking, holistic cybersecurity strategy in this year’s budget will not only secure India’s digital future but also act as a catalyst for sustained economic growth and global competitiveness.”
Mr. Venkatraman Narayanan, Managing Director & CFO, Happiest Minds
“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, we hope for policy measures that accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a global digital innovation hub. All action taken to strengthen our domestic economy, more money into Capex, reduction of taxes on the individual tax payer thus putting money into his hands and eventually driving consumption, simplification of tax procedures, both direct and indirect, and reduction in the compliance burden would really put us back on the path of continued growth.
Additionally, incentives and steps to strengthen our digital infrastructure, reskilling programs will not only prepare the workforce for the future but also ensure equitable growth. A budget that fosters an environment of mindful growth and global competitiveness will significantly contribute to India’s leadership in the digital economy.”
Mr. Joseph Sudheer Thumma, Global Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Magellanic Cloud
“In an era of rapid Gen AI, and cloud computing, we expect the government’s upcoming budget to prioritize policies that foster innovation and address the evolving needs of the tech sector. This includes continued support for R&D in cutting-edge technologies, initiatives to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy, and a focus on developing a robust infrastructure to safeguard our digital assets. We believe these measures will be crucial for India to maintain its competitive edge in the global technology landscape.”
Mr. Sandeep Bhambure, Vice President and Managing Director, India & SAARC, Veeam Software
“Evolving regulatory requirements in India like Digital Personal Data Protection Act and geopolitical pressures will force enterprises to re-think where their cloud data really ‘sits’. Expect an increased focus on data residency, ensuring data stays within specific national or regional borders. As part of this shift, we’ll see more demand for sovereign clouds – localized cloud environments that keep data within specific jurisdictions to support compliance and mitigate risk.
“This, in turn, will highlight the need for data portability across hybrid environments. Enterprises might find out too late in the game that moving data between clouds isn’t easy. They’ll also need to consider ‘related’ data like backups or Large Language Model (LLM) training data, where those are being kept, and what risk is present. It’s a familiar story- the cloud gives businesses more options and flexibility, but taking advantage of these securely and sustainably will require some joined-up thinking.”
Mr. Manoj Gupta, Managing Director of Fortune Marketing
“Mr. Manoj Gupta, Managing Director of Fortune Marketing, is optimistic about the upcoming budget and its potential to boost the manufacturing sector, particularly in security, fiber, telecom, and networking products. He anticipates policies that support infrastructure development, enhance ease of doing business, and provide incentives for local manufacturers to scale operations. Mr. Gupta believes that a strong push for “Make in India” initiatives and increased focus on self-reliance in technology-driven industries will create significant opportunities for manufacturers, enabling them to contribute to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”
Mr. Chitranshu Mahant, CEO of Primebook
“As India strides to become the global powerhouse of education and technology, we look forward to the government formulating a budget in 2025 that can strengthen the synergy between edtech and domestic manufacturing. Increased budget for setting up digital infrastructure in schools and colleges, particularly rural and semi-urban areas, coupled with government-backed initiatives to provide affordable and reliable internet access in those areas and the introduction of more subsidized data plans, can truly accelerate the nation’s digital transformation from the grass-root level.
Moreover, expanding the scope of PLI schemes to encompass consumer electronics tailored for education can boost the “Make in India” initiative and generate more employment opportunities for the youth. The increasing demand for affordable laptops highly calls for reduced import duties, incentives for local production, and rationalization of taxes. We urge the government to acknowledge and adopt such measures.
Through the establishment of innovation funds for startups developing affordable education technology and hardware, especially those that function independently of broadband infrastructure and promote on-the learning, and further reducing the GST rates for educational devices and software, the government can empower millions of students, educators, and parents to efficiently embrace tech-driven learning.
I believe this budget for 2025 has the potential to redefine accessibility in online education if affordable connectivity, technology integration, and domestic manufacturing are significantly focused on. Likewise, continuous support for MSMEs via easy access to credits and reduced compliance burden can help India bolster the pathway to becoming the leading hub of future-gen technologies and skills.”
Mr. Sachin Panicker, Chief AI Officer, Fulcrum Digital
“The upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 offers a remarkable opportunity to strengthen India’s global leadership in technology. With rapid advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, 5G, and cybersecurity, India is at the cusp of transforming its digital landscape. This Budget is set to play a pivotal role in accelerating the nation’s progress by prioritising investments in digital infrastructure, fostering R&D, and enhancing skill development, creating a strong foundation for technological innovation.
AI remains a key driver of this transformation, enabling faster decision-making, personalised customer experiences, and greater productivity across sectors. As stakeholders in this vibrant ecosystem, we are encouraged by the Government’s focus on fostering innovation and look forward to policies that align technology advancements with national priorities like sustainability, economic inclusivity, and job creation.
A collaborative approach between public and private sectors will be crucial to scaling solutions that address global challenges, from healthcare to financial inclusion. This is an eagerly anticipated budget as it has the potential to empower industries, startups, and citizens to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Mr. Rajnish Gupta, Managing Director & Country Manager, Tenable India
“A larger budgetary allocation is needed to fund comprehensive awareness campaigns, training initiatives, and upskilling programs. Partnerships with leading educational institutions can help develop specialized curricula that prepare talent for an AI-driven future. Additionally, government funding could incentivize the private sector to invest in robust skill development programs, attracting more talent to the industry and creating a resilient talent pipeline.
Investing in public-private partnerships is another vital step. Collaborative efforts between industry and government to roll out skill development initiatives in universities, coupled with internship opportunities for engineering students, can attract young professionals at scale and strengthen the talent pipeline for the cybersecurity sector.
The National Cybersecurity Policy introduced in 2023, along with subsequent budget allocations for awareness-building, has set India on the right track to strengthening its cyber defenses. In 2024, the government launched significant R&D projects to promote proof of concepts and test beds for advancing cybersecurity. However, the country still lacks a comprehensive research base for technology and product development, testing, evaluation, and a robust certification framework to further enhance its cybersecurity posture.
While the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is collaborating with academia and R&D labs, there is a pressing need to expand these efforts. Public-private partnerships can play a critical role in accelerating this process through shared resources and expertise. Such collaborations can enable the creation of shared threat intelligence platforms, advancements in cloud and AI security, and cutting-edge research to address India’s evolving cyber threats. Increased budgetary allocations to incentivize public-private partnerships would significantly bolster India’s ability to deter rising cyber adversaries.
The 2025-26 budget presents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen India’s cybersecurity capabilities. By adopting strategic initiatives, India can emerge as a leader in the global cybersecurity landscape, addressing the skills gap and fostering innovation. Investing in preventative security, public-private partnerships and directing resources toward cyber resilience is not just an opportunity—it is an imperative.”
Mr. Raj K Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder & CEO, KOGO
“Successive budgets have enabled the mushrooming of startups in India. At KOGO, we believe in AI’s transformative potential to not only drive India’s economic growth but also to unleash human potential. With AI taking center stage in economic policy across the world, it is incumbent upon India to foster innovation, and drive more investments towards AI startups into the country. As the 2025-26 Union budget announcement approaches, it is critical for the government to create a Deep Tech Fund to enable equity funding for startups looking for investments. A Deep Tech Fund with provisions for matching capital will encourage more investment into the sector. This will put India on the map for driving AI innovation and exporting it across the world.
Deep tech startups in India can benefit greatly if a common framework is created for businesses in the ecosystem and make way for a two-tiered funding approach — for the proof of concept and for a tested prototype. Startups driving AI innovations can also benefit from the government allowing CSR contributions to flow towards startup incubators or R&D projects in the STEM fields. This can drive greater investments into the technology ecosystem, and bridge the existing skills shortage, which has to be addressed with great speed. The implementation of a National Deep Tech Startup Policy, which addressed the challenges faced by these businesses in India, will also go a long way in promoting ease of doing business.”
Mr. Sandeep Agarwal, India MD & Global CTO, Visionet
“At Visionet, we believe that the Union budget for 2025-26 has to be oriented more towards the urban infrastructure and metro programs since these will be critical to the development of smart cities, facilitating connectivity and improving urban transport. At the same time, in case the ministry of finance sets aside resources for industry-academia research partnerships, that will enable game-changing developments across various fields such as medicine, education and production, thus placing India among the leaders in the global technology ecosystem. Equally important, is the government’s effort in providing manufacturing incentives to the economy with special focus on the MSME sector which would help build the country’s manufacturing capacities and foster more competitiveness in the environment. On the social front, the increase of preventive healthcare and reduction of import tariffs on advanced medical devices in particular, will not only enhance the public health status but also ensure that high quality treatment becomes affordable and accessible to many.
In addition, as an AI-driven company, we share confidence regarding the government’s initiatives aimed at AI-first leadership since those comprise support provision for Centers of Excellence, access to data, and AI upskilling programs. As AI is set to become the biggest driver of growth globally, these measures will put India in the forefront of AI research and applications. Such a target is also important with respect to skill development, more so for drivers such as IoT, blockchain and quantum computing. It is equally imperative to bolster initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 to keep Indians competitive in the growing digital economy. The importance of cybersecurity cannot be overemphasized. With 93% of Indian executives expecting a hike in the budgets for cybersecurity next year, we call upon the government to hasten the adoption of policies such as the National Data Governance Framework.
Another crucial component of this year’s budget will be the simplification of tax structures. For tech companies, especially those operating on tight profit margins and complex international structures, a streamlined tax filing process will be a game-changer. Clearer tax policies that support business growth and ease the compliance burden will be essential for the continued success of India’s digital economy.
Further, we believe that the sustained focus on sustainability is really important. While India continues to roll out new technology programs such as the Green Credit scheme, we are looking for more resources and tax breaks that would encourage tech firms to go green.
As a nation, the Indian technology community stands at a critical juncture since we are poised to become a leader in the technology world and the support of the government through this budget can alter that trajectory significantly. We have a positive outlook on policies that fully take advantage of the capabilities we possess while taking us toward the technologies that would define the future.”
Mr. Raj Babu, Founder and CEO of Agilisium
“The race to develop cutting-edge Generative AI models is intensifying globally, and India stands at a pivotal moment. While the ‘Bigger is Better’ mantra has driven Large Language Model (LLM) development for years now, we are today entering a new frontier with refined models with reduced hardware & data requirements. This shift presents a significant opportunity for India, given its unique challenges, including limited publicly available datasets, varying data quality, and complexities in inference generation.
Is India truly AI-ready? The country has made remarkable strides in AI research, policy support, and computational infrastructure, with initiatives such as India AI Mission and Digital India programs fostering a strong foundation. However, building a homegrown Generative AI model that competes on a global scale demands more than just ambition—it requires a robust data ecosystem, high-end compute power, and a strategic AI talent pipeline.
To establish a globally competitive AI ecosystem, India must focus on:
- a) Hybrid LLMs that efficiently process Indic languages and dialects, ensuring inclusivity and contextual accuracy.
- b) A human-in-the-loop approach to strengthen algorithmic evaluation, bias detection, and compliance.
- c) Ethical and scalable AI agents designed for real-world applications, making AI accessible to businesses and the common man alike.
India’s AI ambition isn’t just about competing with the US and China—it’s about carving a niche in trustworthy, responsible AI that is globally recognized. By fostering deep-tech innovation, public-private collaborations, and sovereign AI frameworks, India has the potential to lead in sector-specific AI breakthroughs, especially in domains like Life Sciences, Finance, and Governance. The foundation is strong, and with the right focus, India can not only build its own Generative AI model but also drive AI innovations that are uniquely relevant to its people and the world.”
Mr. Bruce Keith, CEO & Cofounder, InvestorAI
2025 is expected to be dominated by global geopolitics and this will cause ongoing market volatility and short-term pain. With the currency already depreciating, I see the immediate impact of Trump Tariffs as being reduced and giving the Government space to re-energise their infrastructure investment. I see India as a destination of choice for overseas investors. However, the Indian government should find more ways to encourage citizens to take part in equity markets – realising that your savings are being eaten by inflation in real terms usually happens too late and tends to disadvantage the lower income strata of society. Budget being once in a year event may not please everyone, but whatever happens, all of us will benefit in the long term from infrastructure especially as demographics defines destiny.
Mr. Pankit Desai, CEO & Cofounder, Sequretek
“The finance minister must prioritize cybersecurity in the upcoming budget. Given India’s alarming rank among the top four global victims of deepfake and digital arrest attacks, raising awareness about these threats is more important than ever. As the Prime Minister highlighted with “Digital Arrests,” increasing public and industry consciousness is key.
Despite policies, local cybersecurity ecosystems face significant hurdles and need more governmental support, particularly in procurement processes that impede Indian-origin companies from effectively bidding for government contracts. These policies must be revised to foster a more inclusive environment for domestic cybersecurity firms.
The other one is that, while educational institutions have made strides in offering cybersecurity courses, practical skills remain underdeveloped. By supporting educational initiatives to provide hands-on experience, the government can ensure that students graduate with the practical skills required to bolster India’s cybersecurity defenses. More investment in cybersecurity infrastructure at educational institutions can enhance real-world readiness. With strategic investments, India can reinforce its cybersecurity defenses and talent.”
Covered By: NCN MAGAZINE / Union Budget
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