Vishal Jain, Co-founder & CEO, Roadcast
“The Union Budget 2025 lays a strong foundation for India’s startup and MSME ecosystem, recognizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and employment. The enhancement of the Credit Guarantee Scheme to ₹20 crore and the new ₹10,000 crore ‘Fund of Funds for Startups’ will provide crucial financial support, enabling entrepreneurs to scale with confidence.
MSMEs, which contribute 45% of India’s exports, have been rightfully positioned as the second engine of growth. The increased classification limits and introduction of customized credit cards for micro enterprises will enhance credit accessibility, fostering expansion and innovation. Supporting 5 lakh new entrepreneurs over the next five years will further strengthen India’s startup ecosystem, creating a ripple effect across industries.
For Roadcast, these reforms align with our vision of transforming logistics and supply chain management through technology. The focus on infrastructure via ₹1.5 lakh crore interest-free loans and PPP projects will enhance logistical efficiency, benefiting industries reliant on seamless mobility.
This budget takes decisive steps toward a digitally empowered, innovation-driven, and globally competitive India.”
Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners
Union Budget 2025 is betting big on establishing centres of excellence in artificial intelligence (AI) with a total outlay of 500 Cr. “The announcement will help India emerge as a leading force in the field of AI,” says Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners, “The spending will also boost job prospects in AI, ML, and automation while helping stakeholders to invent tech-based solutions to real-world issues.”
Expanding the capacity of IITs and the number of medical seats while establishing the National Institute of Food Technology and Management in Bihar is also among the key announcements of the Union Budget 2025. “The need to ramp up infrastructure in engineering and medical domains is quite compelling,” says Kalpesh, “This support will ensure aspirants will continue to receive world-class education in their selected specialisations.”
“The announcement of setting up 05 national centres of excellence for skilling along with 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools will have far-reaching implications,” opines Kalpes, “As these centres will be established with global expertise and partnership, the holistic benefits of this exercise will be reaped by all stakeholders of the Indian Education Ecosystem.” Further, the concerns of small businesses and online platform workers have also been addressed by the Union Budget 2025. “The PM SVANidhi for loan facilities and covering online platform workers under PM Jan Arogya Yojana will enhance the social securities and boost the spirit of entrepreneurship among the MSMEs,” Concludes Kalpesh.
Dr. Bijal Sanghvi, Managing Director, Axis Solutions
“Union Budget 2025 will drive and strengthen India’s manufacturing and energy transformation with a strong push for “Make in India”. Targeting 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is a welcome move for a sustainable future. With a ₹20,000 crore outlay for small modular reactors in Nuclear Power, the budget accelerates clean energy adoption. Power sector reforms, export promotion, and policy incentives will strengthen industrial growth, ensuring Atma-Nirbharta, innovation, energy security and transition. Investing in people through skill development programme will build a future-ready workforce, positioning India as a global power- house in manufacturing, sustainability, and technological advancement.”
Smitha Shetty – Regional Director APAC – Achilles Information Ltd
“Achilles welcomes the Indian government’s FY25 budget, which reinforces India’s position as a global manufacturing and export hub. Increased MSME credit limits and expanded classification will drive industrial growth, job creation, and innovation. Investments in clean technology manufacturing—solar, EV batteries, and wind turbines—mirror global sustainability trends, strengthening supply chains. Maritime and shipping sector incentives will enhance trade competitiveness. However, robust supply chain due diligence and ESG compliance are vital to mitigate risks. While this budget lays a strong foundation, its execution will determine India’s success in becoming a self-reliant, globally competitive manufacturing powerhouse”.
Balajee Bobba, Director, Bobba Group
“Budget 2025 lays the groundwork for a significant transformation of India’s industrial and logistics landscape, offering extensive benefits for manufacturing, warehousing, and supply chains. The government’s initiatives are set to revolutionize industrial and logistics growth in India by introducing the digital public infrastructure platform BharatTradeNet. This will streamline trade documentation and financing, reducing bottlenecks in cross-border transactions. Upgrades to air cargo warehousing, particularly for high-value perishables, along with the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund for ports and shipping infrastructure, will further enhance India’s competitiveness in global trade.
Technology-driven logistics solutions and multimodal connectivity investments will drive efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the sector. These efforts create new growth opportunities for businesses to scale operations seamlessly. At Bobba Group, we view these initiatives as catalysts for innovation and expansion, reinforcing our commitment to advancing logistics excellence in India.”
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, a fintech venture
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, Wirepas
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.
Overall, the 2025 budget sets the stage for significant growth in India’s IoT sector, contributing to the country’s global leadership in digital innovation and sustainable tech solutions.
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.
Post-Budget 2025: Industry Leaders Share Their Thoughts and Predictions
