Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that youth-led research and the state’s growing startup ecosystem can help Maharashtra emerge as a global hub for innovation. Addressing the fourth edition of ‘The Governance Challenge’ at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai, Mr. Fadnavis said Maharashtra has more than 30,000 startups, accounting for around 18 per cent of the country’s total.

He said the state is developing M-Hub, its first dedicated startup incubator. An Innovation City focusing on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies will also be developed on 300 acres of land in Navi Mumbai. Under the Maharashtra AI Policy 2026, two lakh young people and professionals will be trained, while AI incubators will be established to promote research and innovation. Mr. Fadnavis said the state government aims to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions and eventually develop them into globally competitive enterprises.