Union Budget 2026: Health-Tech Startups, Manufacturing, Wellness, and Sports Science Leaders Seek Incentives and Policy Support
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, 2026, at 11 AM, industry leaders from health-tech startups, uPVC manufacturing, sleep wellness, and sports science are urging targeted fiscal measures to accelerate innovation, domestic manufacturing, consumer wellness, and performance excellence in India’s growing sectors.
With India’s startup ecosystem surpassing 1 lakh recognised entities and sectors like health-tech, wellness, and manufacturing poised for rapid expansion, expectations include R&D incentives, GST rationalisation, infrastructure support, and policy clarity to boost entrepreneurship, job creation, and global competitiveness.
Avanish Agarwal, Founder, Nutriiya:
“As country’s startup ecosystem crosses 1 lakh recognised startups, we look at Union Budget 2026–27 as a crucial opportunity to strengthen AI-led health-tech solutions. With nation’s digital health market projected to cross USD 70 billion in the upcoming years, targeted incentives for AI adoption, R&D, and data infrastructure can assist startups scale impact while enhancing Digital India and the foresight of a healthier Viksit Bharat 2047. Encouraging policies, digital infrastructure and funding can aids startups supports AI for customise nutrition and preventive care driving inclusive growth.”
Dinesh Chandra Pandey, Founder, Shankar Fenestrations & Glasses:
“We expect that the upcoming Union Budget will help create a sound and practical framework for manufacturing companies in regard to uPVC windows and doors, as they are an important player in the construction and housing industries. With the enactment of appropriate policies, these manufacturing companies will be able to grow and maintain their operations long-term. We also feel that the government will continue its commitment to helping support manufacturing businesses here in India, assist businesses to modernise/update/upgrade their facilities, and expand financial services options available to companies. This type of support will allow manufacturers to improve product quality and increase production capacity. As long as the Federal Government continues to emphasise improving our nation’s infrastructure, building smart cities, and providing low-income housing, the demand for building materials will continue to remain stable for many years into the future.”
Ankit Modi, Managing Director, Durakraft Extrusions:
“The manufacturing community is looking forward to the upcoming government budget with great anticipation. Manufacturing of uPVC window and door profiles has gained significant momentum over the past couple of years, and we feel that the Budget is an important government opportunity to support our growth through encouragement of the development of a strong manufacturing base in India through technology use, creating jobs through investment in India, and fostering low-cost finance for local manufacturers. The establishment of a proactive government policy aimed at developing local manufacturing capabilities will enable companies such as ours to enhance product quality, increase manufacturing capacities, and compete on equal footing with foreign competitors in both domestic and global markets. In addition to promoting local manufacturing, we anticipate an ongoing emphasis on infrastructure development, the Affordable Housing Programme, and Smart City Initiatives as government priorities will create consistent and secure demand for energy efficiency products, including high-quality uPVC profiles. By having a focus on sustainable and energy-saving buildings, it will increase the acceptance and use of uPVC in both residential and commercial building projects throughout India.”
Saptarshi Basu, Marketing Head, Emma The Sleep Company India:
“India’s strong GDP growth and rising disposable incomes are reshaping consumer behaviour, with people increasingly investing in health, wellness, and quality-of-life products. In the upcoming Union Budget 2026, we expect the government to continue prioritising economic growth while strengthening support for entrepreneurship, innovation, and the startup ecosystem. The mattress industry is undergoing a significant transformation. We are witnessing a rapid shift from traditional products to premium, technology-driven sleep solutions, supported by greater health awareness and the expansion of e-commerce. The industry’s value is approximately around $2.13 billion in 2023 and projected to exceed USD 3.89 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of over 8%, the sector is poised for sustained growth driven by innovation in foam, memory foam, and smart mattresses, along with increasing demand for services such as cleaning and refurbishment. At Emma, we remain optimistic about the industry’s trajectory and look forward to policies that promote manufacturing, innovation, and ease of doing business, enabling us to reach more Indian consumers and elevate sleep standards across the country.”
Tanvi Lunawat, Director of Operations, Institute of Sports Science and Technology (ISST):
“India’s sporting ambitions now require a sharper focus on the science behind success. Nutrition, psychology, recovery systems and injury-prevention frameworks must be embedded into grassroots and elite training alike if we truly want world-class outcomes. The Union Budget 2026 has an opportunity to scale structured investment in performance sciences through academic institutions, accredited centres and public-private partnerships. This will not only help athletes peak consistently at international events but also create skilled jobs in sports science and allied domains. A national push towards evidence-based training can transform promising talent into podium-finishers while building a sustainable ecosystem that supports athletes across long careers rather than short bursts of excellence.”
These expert insights reflect a shared vision for the Union Budget 2026: deliver R&D and AI incentives for health-tech startups, policy stability and financial support for manufacturing growth, innovation and ease of doing business for wellness brands, and structured investments in sports science and skilling to drive inclusive economic progress, job creation, and India’s global competitiveness.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:13 am by Pioneer Today Team | Published by: Pioneer Today Team on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:13 am | News Categories: News
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