Published in The Indian Express on 2 February 2026, this article by Shubham Kurale examines Pune’s industrial and business community’s response to the Union Budget 2026–27, focusing on proposed measures to strengthen MSMEs, improve access to finance and promote industrial growth.
Featuring insights from Dr. V. Premnath, Director of Venture Center, the article highlights the potential of the Budget’s proposed equity and liquidity support for MSMEs to help businesses invest, take calculated risks and expand their operations. Dr. Premnath also points to opportunities arising from the planned expansion of manufacturing in sectors such as biopharma, semiconductors, electronic components, chemicals and sustainable textiles, which could open new avenues for startups and small enterprises.
The coverage underscores the importance of targeted financial support and strategic manufacturing investments in strengthening India's startup ecosystem and enabling emerging businesses to grow.