Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director
“We welcome the policies stated in Union Budget 2025-26 by the Hon’ble Finance Minister, which gives a strong push towards EV adoption, accelerating the development India’s electric vehicle ecosystem. The reduction in customs duty on lithium and other important raw materials will significantly lower input costs for lithium-ion battery manufacturing, making EVs more affordable to consumers while boosting domestic production. The introduction of a national manufacturing mission for clean tech industries is another commendable move. By strengthening the ecosystem for EV batteries, motors, and controllers, this initiative will accelerate India’s transition to sustainable transportation. The recognition of MSMEs as the ‘2nd engine’ of economic growth in the Union Budget 2025 will boost sectoral confidence. The fiscal policies stated to support MSMEs will have a multiplier effect on various sectors, including accelerating India’s e-mobility revolution. We are confident that the expanded tax bracket will enhance the purchasing power of the middle class, which will positively impact EV industry in India.”
Pallavi Shrivastava, Co-founder of Progcap
“We welcome the Union Budget 2025, strengthening the foundation for MSME growth by addressing long-standing challenges in access to credit, scalability, and global competitiveness. For years, MSMEs have faced barriers in accessing timely and adequate credit. Expanding the credit guarantee cover for micro-enterprises from ₹5 crores to ₹10 crore is a game-changer, potentially unlocking ₹1.5 lakh crore in additional lending over the next five years. This move will empower financial institutions to extend credit with greater confidence, particularly to underserved businesses that require working capital without collateral.
At the same time, raising MSME classification thresholds by 2.5x on investment and 2x on turnover means more scaling enterprises stay within priority sector benefits and avail of lower-cost credit. The introduction of customised credit cards with a ₹5 lakh limit through the Udyam portal is another innovative step toward financial inclusion. With many small businesses operating on fluctuating cash flows, these cards will provide them the flexibility to manage short-term expenses, extending credit access deeper into the ecosystem.
The focus on women-led enterprises is a highly encouraging move towards women’s participation providing them the new term loans of up to ₹2 crores. Managerial and capacity-building support is crucial to broaden the pathway for women-led enterprises. We are encouraged by the income tax relaxations for salaried individuals – this would spur consumer demand which has seen a downturn over the last few quarters, which in turn benefits MSMEs reliant on domestic spending.
Finally, with MSMEs powering 45% of our exports, the export promotion mission couldn’t be more timely. It would help businesses navigate global hurdles and scale internationally. These measures cut to the core of long-standing credit and growth issues. At Progcap, our mission is to turn each reform into real opportunities—ensuring that every MSME has the credit, flexibility, and support to innovate and thrive.”
Hitesh Motwani, CEO, Skillopedia
“With the Union Budget 2025’s bold investment in AI Centres of Excellence and skill development, India is not just preparing for the future—it is architecting it. The ₹500 crore push for AI research, coupled with expansive upskilling initiatives, will create a dual impact: India will emerge as both the largest consumer of AI and one of the world’s most formidable AI talent hubs. This is a defining moment—where innovation meets opportunity, and India positions itself at the forefront of the global AI revolution.”
Swayambhu Mohanty, Co-Founder of Airace
The Union Budget 2025 has laid a strong foundation for accelerating India’s digital transformation, particularly in geospatial technology, precision infrastructure, and deep tech innovation. The announcement of the National Geospatial Mission is a pivotal step toward modernizing land records, enhancing urban planning, and driving large-scale infrastructure projects using advanced geospatial data. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission at Airace Technologies to democratize high-precision GNSS solutions for industries ranging from construction and surveying to agriculture and smart cities.
Additionally, the Deep Tech Fund of Funds, aimed at catalyzing the next generation of technology-driven startups, is a significant boost for companies like ours that are leveraging AI, machine learning, and advanced GNSS analytics to revolutionize the industry. The government’s commitment to fostering research, development, and innovation—backed by a ₹20,000 crore allocation—further strengthens India’s position as a global technology leader.
The integration of PM GatiShakti’s data access for private sector innovation is another forward-thinking move, enabling more efficient project planning and execution. This will directly impact industries relying on precise positioning and navigation technologies, allowing for better decision-making and cost optimization. Moreover, the ‘Make in India’ incentives for electronics manufacturing, particularly for components essential to GNSS and precision technology, will support the localization of high-quality geospatial hardware, making India self-reliant in this critical sector.
S Anand, Founder and CEO of PaySprint
The Union Budget 2025 brings a host of promising developments for the fintech and financial services sector, and I am encouraged by the government’s continued commitment to innovation and financial inclusion. The budget’s focus on improving access to financial services in remote areas, along with a clear emphasis on expanding digital infrastructure, will drive fintech adoption, especially in underserved regions. With 1.7 crore farmers and over 100 districts being targeted for financial and technological upliftment, this will further facilitate the reach of fintech solutions.
A key highlight is the renewed focus on regulatory responsiveness under the FSDC framework, creating a more agile and business-friendly ecosystem that empowers fintech players like PaySprint to accelerate digital banking adoption and drive financial inclusion across Bharat. The decriminalization under the Jan Vishwas Act 2023 is a game-changer, removing legal complexities and making it easier for startups and MSMEs to grow. Strengthening Central KYC (CKYC) will further streamline compliance, reduce redundancies, and improve financial access. The commitment to digital public infrastructure, including a new international trade financing platform, alongside ₹10.18 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure, will bolster fintech capabilities in delivering secure, efficient, and scalable financial services. With financial sector reforms driving data-driven governance and a fiscal deficit reduction target of 4.4% of GDP by FY26, these initiatives provide a stable environment for fintech firms to thrive and position India as a global financial leader. At PaySprint, we are excited to leverage these policy-driven advancements to build smarter, more inclusive financial solutions, ensuring businesses—big and small—can grow and succeed in this evolving ecosystem.
Vikram Kankaria, Co-Founder & CEO, Fashor
The Union Budget 2025 brings a wealth of opportunities for the fashion and retail sector, and we at Fashor are excited about the potential it holds. The government’s emphasis on digital infrastructure and MSME support will significantly benefit us as we continue to scale our operations. With over 10 lakh loyal customers and plans for 100 exclusive brand outlets across India, the budget’s measures to simplify tax filing, extend the TCS threshold for remittances, and enhance ease of doing business will allow Fashor to expand seamlessly across both digital and physical platforms.
The focus on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship is also incredibly aligned with our mission. As a brand that champions affordable fashion for women, we are thrilled by the government’s initiatives to support female-led businesses, which will enable us to further empower women within our organization and customer base. Moreover, the budget’s attention to sustainable manufacturing and support for ‘Make in India’ will have a direct impact on the retail and fashion industries. With reduced customs duties on key raw materials and a focus on clean tech manufacturing, Fashor can strengthen its supply chain and produce responsibly sourced fashion at scale. This will allow us to meet the growing demand for stylish, high-quality products while supporting the government’s green initiatives. The government’s support for export promotion, including the development of digital infrastructure for international trade, opens up exciting new opportunities for Fashor to expand globally.
Pradyumn Sharma, CEO of Pragati Software
The 2025 Union Budget marks a defining moment for India’s digital economy, with a clear focus on AI, deep tech, and workforce skilling. The allocation of ₹500 crore for a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education and the continued investment in AI-led research and skilling programs signals a strong push towards preparing India’s workforce for the future. At Pragati Software, we see this as a transformative opportunity to further bridge the gap between emerging technologies and industry-ready skills.
The Deep Tech Fund of Funds and ₹20,000 crore investment in private-sector-led research and innovation are crucial steps that will accelerate advancements in AI, automation, and cloud computing. This directly impacts corporate IT training, as businesses will now need to upskill employees to harness these cutting-edge innovations. Additionally, the announcement of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling reinforces the government’s commitment to equipping professionals with the expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. As a company deeply invested in corporate IT education, we are excited to align our training programs with these national priorities, ensuring India’s workforce stays ahead in the global digital transformation race.
This budget recognizes that the future belongs to those who can adapt to AI, data-driven decision-making, and emerging digital technologies. We look forward to playing a key role in this transition, empowering organizations and individuals with the knowledge they need to excel in the next era of technological evolution.
Jani Vehkalahti – SVP, Smart Grids
The Union Budget 2025 marks a significant step towards transforming India’s digital and IoT landscape. The government’s continued focus on strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting sustainability will play a crucial role in accelerating growth in the technology and IoT sectors. With ₹10.18 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure and the introduction of digital public infrastructure for international trade, we expect to see enhanced connectivity and infrastructure, which will support the proliferation of IoT solutions across industries.
The budget’s emphasis on financial inclusion and expanding connectivity in rural areas is especially encouraging. This will enable the adoption of IoT solutions in sectors like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, which will benefit from increased access to affordable and reliable connectivity. The proposal to extend the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) and increase the TCS threshold to ₹10 lakh will also encourage global partnerships, further positioning India as a hub for tech innovation. Additionally, the government’s commitment to green technology and sustainability, including tax incentives for clean energy and sustainable manufacturing, aligns with the IoT sector’s growing role in driving energy efficiency and smart solutions. This will accelerate the adoption of smart meters, smart buildings, and asset-tracking technologies, helping to improve operational efficiency while reducing energy consumption. The focus on technology and sustainability presents exciting opportunities for the IoT sector to contribute to India’s vision of a digitally inclusive, connected, and sustainable future.
Preeti Bhandary, Co-Founder and Director Curriculum
“The Union Budget 2025 presents exciting opportunities for the education and preschool sector, with a focus on expanding digital infrastructure and ensuring financial inclusion. The ₹10.18 lakh crore capital expenditure allocation will help improve access to education, allowing platforms like Little Elly to extend our reach. The emphasis on digital learning tools and e-learning platforms will enhance early childhood education, making it more accessible across urban and rural areas.
The budget’s focus on mental and emotional well-being, inclusive education, and 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs aligns with Little Elly’s approach to nurturing both academic and emotional development in young children. With 80-100 new centres planned in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune, these initiatives will support our mission to foster holistic development. The government’s commitment to nutrition through Poshan 2.0 and expanded broadband connectivity will further strengthen our ability to deliver quality education to a wider audience.
Additionally, the focus on sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and green technologies aligns with our ‘Earth Lab’ initiative, which is aimed at fostering environmental responsibility. These measures will empower us to create responsible, mindful learners, preparing them for a future of success and sustainability.”
Suhani – Co-founder of Nishani, a jewellery brand
“The Union Budget 2025 offers a strong foundation for the growth of India’s jewelry and retail sector, with a particular focus on enhancing financial inclusion and digital infrastructure. The allocation of ₹10.18 lakh crore for capital expenditure will drive connectivity and improve e-commerce platforms, which is great news for brands like Nishani. With our commitment to offering customizable jewelry, this will help us reach a broader audience and make personalized, high-quality jewelry accessible to more consumers across India and globally.
The budget’s emphasis on sustainability aligns with the growing demand for responsible luxury in the jewelry industry. The reduction of duties on critical raw materials will support the jewelry sector by making it more cost-effective to source sustainable materials. With consumers increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly practices, this move will help brands like Nishani integrate sustainability into their operations. Additionally, the government’s proposal for incentives for green manufacturing technologies offers us a great opportunity to continue building a sustainable supply chain while upholding the luxury standards that our customers expect.
Moreover, the push for MSMEs and ease of doing business, including the increase in the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups to ₹20 crore, will provide new opportunities for growing jewelry brands. With India’s retail sector growing at a rate of 15-20% annually, Nishani is well-positioned to leverage these reforms to expand its footprint, both domestically and internationally, and contribute to India’s rise as a global hub for luxury jewelry.”
Kaushik Das, Founder & CEO of AAO NXT
The Union Budget 2025 brings a wealth of opportunities for India’s OTT and entertainment sectors, with significant investments aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure. The allocation of ₹10.18 lakh crore for capital expenditure will drive connectivity across urban and rural areas, enabling OTT platforms to reach wider audiences. The government’s emphasis on digital literacy and financial inclusion will also help expand access to streaming services, fostering the growth of regional content and increasing viewership across the nation.
With a strong focus on 5G technology and digital public infrastructure, the budget lays the groundwork for more interactive, high-quality content delivery. These measures are set to benefit OTT platforms by improving streaming quality and enabling new forms of content consumption, such as augmented reality and virtual reality. Additionally, the government’s initiatives to support content creation through tax incentives will stimulate more investment in original, diverse content, providing a significant boost to the Indian entertainment ecosystem.
The budget’s commitment to sustainability and green technology aligns with the global shift towards eco-friendly media production. As internet connectivity improves, OTT platforms can enhance user experience and deliver seamless services across a larger geographic area. With these reforms, India’s OTT and entertainment industry is poised for growth, with greater access, diverse content, and a future-driven infrastructure that will redefine how we experience digital entertainment.
Devangana Mishra, Writer, CEO, Brain Bristle
Great work for the 8th year, Ms Sitharaman. Thank you! It’s great to see the budget from an educational, entrepreneurial and national lens. As a woman writer who runs a foundation for autism- my country, my country’s children and my family’s sustainability hold utmost importance to me. It’s great to see the Udaan Scheme and the centre stage focus on Bihar, but it’s excellent to see continued focus on skilling youth, growing the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programme to provide support to over 8 crore children and marrying curriculum to workforce demands. While these numbers and need sound large, the work at the last leg will only see fruit if we can leverage technology well to upskill forces to the last leg. It’s also great to see a huge focus on AI and AI in healthcare management and a huge budget allocated to more tinkering labs, India is very hands on by culture, this is crucial. More seats and money allocated to India’s strengths- our IITs and medical schools is also a promising budgetary allocation.
It’s also really good to see a revised and invigorated focus on our women, farmers and medium-small enterprises which contribute to 45% of our exports and our startup machinery- with all the educational, export and skilling measures, it’ll help boost the middle classes a lot further in turn accelerating their daily wages and earnings. India’s patriarchy and archaic educational system trickles in all we do, so a continued focus on women, youth and agriculture is so important. Keeping the GYAN scheme on the forefront as an honest and important lever of growth could be highly beneficial for us and important in keeping us a growing economy.
The flatness of the Saturday stock market and moans of the opposition and wealthy income tax payers will soon quieten. Overall I’m a pleased worker, woman and citizen.