With the Union Budget 2026-27 set for presentation on February 1, 2026, at 11 AM, voices from AI, MarTech, deeptech startups, luggage, alcobev, enterprise AI, and sports infrastructure are calling for focused reforms. Key asks include enhanced R&D incentives, faster refunds, GST rationalisation, policy predictability, and targeted support to drive innovation, consumption, and grassroots development.
Anand Bhadkamkar, Group CFO, LS Digital:
“Standing at the cusp of a revolution, the Indian media and advertising industry is looking for clarity and confidence from the Union Budget 2026. MarTech, AdTech, and AI have increasingly become indispensable elements for businesses to scale and operate. and the industry would benefit if the Budget focuses on enabling faster and more responsible adoption of these technologies. For Indian companies, navigating through the impact of regulations like DPDP Act alongside broader economic headwinds has been challenging. In this context, clear direction around AI-led innovation, along with incentives that encourage domestic digital businesses to invest and expand can play a meaningful role in sustaining growth. Overall, a Budget that reinforce innovation while strengthening the digital ecosystem can help Indian companies compete strongly and effectively on the global stage.”
Vineet Khunger, Co-founder & Head of Finance/Admin/Marketing, IndieVisual:
“India’s startup ecosystem has shown remarkable resilience, often innovating with far fewer resources than global peers. However, for early-stage companies, especially those building production and infrastructure technology, cash flow and long R&D cycles remain major challenges. Practical measures like faster TDS refunds, smoother GST input credit refunds in the early years, and expanding initiatives such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme to more cities and sectors would significantly ease operational pressure. Policy frameworks that recognise longer R&D timelines through tax and grant support would make it easier for founders and investors to commit to long-term deep-tech innovation.”
Tushar Kamath, Chief Financial Officer, uppercase:
“India’s travel momentum has evolved into a powerful economic multiplier, driving significant growth across retail, trade, and the broader lifestyle ecosystem. As mobility becomes a cornerstone of the Indian experience, we are seeing a surge in demand for travel gear, with the market projected to reach ₹267 billion by 2028. This shift is particularly evident in Tier 2 and 3 markets, where rising aspirations and improved connectivity are transforming luggage from a basic utility into a lifestyle choice. For Budget 2026, we expect a decisive policy push toward GST rationalization on travel products made of man-made fibers & polymers and reforms that bolster domestic manufacturing. Strengthening MSME supply chains and incentivizing “Made in India” production will be critical to meeting domestic demand while unlocking our massive export potential. Furthermore, the industry seeks frameworks that encourage eco-friendly materials, circular economy practices, and sustainable packaging to align with global consumer shifts. At uppercase, we believe that by integrating innovation with responsible manufacturing and infrastructure development, India can emerge as a global hub for the travel-gear sector, ensuring this industry remains a vital contributor to our consumption-led GDP growth.”
Prasann Kedia, Managing Director, Associated Alcohols & Breweries Ltd.:
“As we look ahead to Union Budget 2026, the alcobev sector is hopeful for measures that bring greater policy predictability and rationalisation across taxation and regulatory frameworks. One of the key expectations is a move toward a more balanced, alcohol-content-based tax structure, which would help address pricing distortions across states and improve transparency for both consumers and manufacturers. The industry is also seeking simplification of customs duties on imported raw materials and brewing inputs, along with clearer import–export guidelines to support premiumisation and global competitiveness. Streamlined procedures and reduced compliance complexity would significantly improve ease of doing business, encourage responsible consumption, and enable Indian spirits brands to scale more efficiently. A stable and consistent policy environment will be critical in unlocking long-term investments, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and supporting sustainable growth in line with the Make in India vision.”
Vikram M. Raichura, Founder and MD, Helo AI:
“As India moves toward becoming an AI-first digital economy, the upcoming Union Budget is expected to focus on supporting technology-driven businesses, especially those working in AI, software, and enterprise communications. Building on the ₹10,300 crore ($1.2 billion) IndiaAI Mission, the industry expects higher allocations and targeted incentives to accelerate AI research, product development, and adoption. Additionally, enhanced tax incentives and deductions for R&D and innovation, combined with policy measures to reduce operational expenses related to AI infrastructure, cloud usage, data processing, and digital compliance, can enable companies to invest more in AI, automation, and next-generation digital platforms. Initiatives to create jobs, integrate AI education into academic curricula, and help Indian tech companies compete globally can further help transform India into a global AI hub.”
Aditya Reddy, Co-founder & CEO, Gamepoint India:
“As India advances toward the vision of Viksit Bharat, grassroots sports must be recognised as a critical social and economic enabler. The sector plays a vital role in improving public health outcomes, engaging youth productively, strengthening community participation, and creating large-scale employment. From a policy standpoint, unlocking growth in grassroots sports requires targeted fiscal reforms that encourage participation and attract long-term private investment. Rationalising GST on sports services from 18% to 5%, in line with fitness centres, would significantly improve affordability and demand. In parallel, structured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks can enable private operators to efficiently manage and upgrade existing public facilities, improving utilisation and service standards without additional public capex. A focused policy push in this direction will accelerate the scaling of sports-led enterprises while delivering measurable outcomes in health, employment, and social cohesion.”
These perspectives underscore a shared priority for the Union Budget 2026: deliver clear incentives, simplified compliance, GST reforms, and sector-tailored support to accelerate digital innovation, manufacturing strength, sustainable consumption, and social impact.
