Leo Peter Charles, Founder & Managing Director
“In a major push for India’s maritime sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced new provisions and facilities to enhance shipbuilding in India as part of the Union Budget 2025. This initiative is set to improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen the country’s logistics network.
With improved shipbuilding capabilities, India can expand its shipping fleet, reduce dependency on foreign vessels, and lower logistics costs. This will particularly benefit fisheries and agri-export sectors, ensuring faster, more cost-effective global trade. Strengthening domestic shipbuilding also supports port infrastructure and coastal connectivity, boosting India’s trade competitiveness worldwide.”
Harsh Talwar, Founder & CEO, Cashforphone
“The 2025 Budget holds promising avenues for startups and the retail industry, especially those companies that specialize in sustainable and technology-based services such as mobile phone recycling, repair, and resale. The incorporation period of five years for startups and an increased Credit Guarantee Scheme of ₹20 crore will provide much-needed financial support to emerging businesses and spur innovation and growth in the circular economy.
The removal of TCS on certain transactions,coupled with the simplification of tax compliance, will ease complexity in operations, thereby making business transactions in the refurbished mobile phone market smoother. Reducing the BCD on crucial minerals such as lithium-ion battery waste and scrap, as done by the government, is a step in the right direction and is likely to fortify the electronics recycling industry in general to use resources appropriately and sustainably.
This budget further cements India’s commitment to developing a robust, technology-driven retail ecosystem by pushing ease of doing business and further reinforcing financial support for startups. We look forward to using these reforms to drive the adoption of refurbished and recycled mobile devices into a wider consumer base while supporting India’s green economy.”
Sarvesh Mutha, MD, IntegriMedical
“This year’s budget lays a strong foundation for the future of India’s healthcare and medical innovation. Key measures like the expansion of medical education, establishment of Cancer Day Care Centres, and government’s commitment to promoting research and innovation provide a significant boost to the healthcare sector. But the real catalyst lies in the government’s focus on deep-tech and healthcare infrastructure. As a company dedicated to innovative healthcare solutions, we are encouraged by these initiatives and are eager to contribute to this transformative journey. By investing in healthcare infrastructure, skill development, and research, this budget takes meaningful steps toward making advanced healthcare more accessible for all.”Amit Kapur (Managing Director of Vedatya)Education is at a turning point, and artificial intelligence is the force that will shape its future. The way we learn, teach, and apply knowledge is evolving faster than ever, and the Union Budget has taken a decisive step toward integrating AI into education. The ₹500 crore investment in a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about reimagining how learning can be made more personalised, inclusive, and industry-aligned.At Vedatya Institute, we believe AI should not replace human intelligence but enhance it. The challenge now lies in execution, ensuring AI is embedded thoughtfully into curriculum design, faculty training, and skill development. For India to truly lead in this space, academia, industry, and policymakers must collaborate to turn this vision into reality, equipping students with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.
Ganesh Kamath (Founder and CEO of Earthraga)
The abolition of angel tax in the Union Budget 2025 is a much-needed relief. For a long time, this tax has been a roadblock, creating unnecessary hurdles for investors and startups. By removing it, the government is making the investment process simpler and more transparent, which is exactly what’s needed to encourage growth and innovation.
For many entrepreneurs, this reform takes away a significant worry. It clears the way for more straightforward investments without the fear of facing tax issues later. This move will help create a healthier and more dynamic environment for businesses to thrive and scale without the added complexity of angel tax.
It’s a positive step forward for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we’re optimistic about what this will mean for the future of startups in the country.
Vanya Mishra, Co-founder & CEO of
I would like to congratulate our honourable Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on presenting yet another progressive, future-focused Budget. What excites me most is the significant push for AI in higher education. The establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for AI in Education is exactly what we need to drive innovation and technological advancement. At Astrosure.ai, our mission has always been to bring AI-driven innovation into fields where it’s never been applied before—like astrology and Vedic knowledge.
As a woman entrepreneur, I am also thrilled by the government’s announcement of a ₹2 crore term loan scheme for first-time women entrepreneurs. This initiative offers a much-needed boost, empowering women to take those crucial early risks, innovate, and actively contribute to India’s growing digital economy. It’s time for women to play a central role in this transformation.
However, while funding is vital, it alone won’t catalyze lasting change. To truly make an impact, we need mentorship, strong networks, and a supportive policy environment that helps women thrive. Networking for women often comes with unique challenges, and without the right support, it’s hard to break through. With proper guidance and mentorship—coupled with the power of AI—we are on the brink of a future where women aren’t just participating in tech; they are leading it. This Budget has set in motion key initiatives that make this vision more achievable than ever before.
Manveen Ssharma, Founder, Pinq Polka
As a woman entrepreneur, today’s announcement is incredibly meaningful—not just for me, but for the entire women entrepreneurship community. The ₹10,000 crore ‘Women Entrepreneurship Fund’ is a game-changer for women-led businesses like Pinq Polka, offering
not just much-needed capital but also mentorship and guidance, which are often hard to come by.The ₹100 million credit guarantee for SMEs is another great supportive step, making financing more accessible for women entrepreneurs who have historically faced challenges in securing financial support for business growth.
On a personal level, the extension of the Mahila Samman Savings Scheme is a huge relief. It’s a powerful initiative that enables women to save and plan for a secure future, and I’m thrilled that more women will now have access to it.
The government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses and fostering financial independence is exactly what’s needed to drive true empowerment. I’m excited to see how these initiatives will help women entrepreneurs thrive and scale their businesses.
Parthiban S, Head of Business Development, BGR Tech Ltd
“The government’s Nuclear Energy Mission, with a ₹20,000 crore investment to promote research and development of small modular reactors (SMRs), presents a significant growth opportunity for our business. This initiative fosters advancements in clean energy technology, driving demand for innovative solutions in energy storage, electrochemical systems, and sustainable infrastructure—areas where we have a strong foothold. By aligning our expertise with this mission, we can position ourselves as key contributors to India’s evolving nuclear energy landscape.
Overall, this budget reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a robust, sustainable, and future-ready business ecosystem. We are eager to contribute to these transformative initiatives, driving India closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO, Unicommerce
“The announcements made in the Union Budget 2025 will give a fillip to e-commerce, MSMEs and start-ups. The focus on Export Promotion Missions will help address challenges such as export credit access and resolution of non-tariff barriers. This will accelerate cross-border trading, allowing more Indian enterprises to scale globally. A fresh allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for start-ups related Fund-of-Funds will help create a new roadmap for innovation, especially in digital retail and supply chain automation.”