Startups Fueling ‘Viksit Bharat’ with Sustainability & Innovation

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: India’s startups are driving growth through eco-friendly tech, digital solutions, and inclusive models, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Startups are emerging as key growth engines for Viksit Bharat, with their future shaped by sustainability-driven strategies. Their long-term viability depends on integrating innovation and technology, strong social sustainability practices, and a swift transition to renewable energy, positioning them as drivers of India’s sustainable economic transformation. This was reinforced at Innovation 2025, organized by CII Eastern Region in Kolkata on 19th November 2025, where entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and innovators discussed scaling India’s startup ecosystem.

Mr. S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, Chairman of Damodar Valley Corporation, stressed stronger government facilitation and collaboration between startups and enterprises. Talent acquisition and retention challenge India’s fragmented market, and improving Ease of Doing Business is essential for startup integration in government sectors. DVC is adopting technology with a focus on renewables.
Mr. Arnab Basu, Partner and Clients & Industries Leader at PwC India, stated that the next entrepreneurship phase will be defined by sustainability. Two-thirds of global capital flows to renewables, and innovation over five decades must prioritize cleaner air and water. India’s EV value chain strengthens but needs consolidation as startups pursue exponential, global growth.

Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia, Past Chairman of CII Eastern Region and Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, noted that technology, including AI, enables efficiency, while compelling ideas require sincerity and commitment.

Mr. Chandra Sekhar Ghosh, Past Chairman of CII Eastern Region and Chairman of Bandhan Group, underlined that innovation improves lives and focuses on meaningful scale for sustainability.
Mr. Rohit Sarkar, Co-Chairman of CII Eastern Region Startup Subcommittee , highlighted eastern India’s over 11,000 DPIIT-recognized startups, crediting supportive state policies and CII platforms for connecting startups with industry for mentorship and collaboration.