As India prepares for the Union Budget 2025, leaders in technology, innovation, and cybersecurity are seeking policies that drive investments in emerging technologies, strengthen infrastructure, and promote inclusive growth across urban and rural areas.
Industry leaders view the need for advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and 5G infrastructure as critical priorities, as they believe that focusing on these areas will drive innovation while narrowing the digital divide.
“The upcoming budget should prioritise India’s digital and technological growth by focusing on key areas such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and 5G infrastructure. Strengthening these areas will drive innovation and help bridge the digital divide,” said Alok Dubey, Chief Finance Officer of Acer India. He added that the government’s support for semiconductor manufacturing and green technologies could position India as a self-reliant, global technology hub.
There is also a strong push for extending the benefits of digital transformation to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This is seen as essential for unlocking India’s vision of a $1 trillion digital economy and creating opportunities across industries such as healthcare, retail, and agriculture. Leela Kaza, Founder and Co-CEO of Bounteous x Accolite, said, “This budget is a chance to expand innovation hubs in smaller cities, foster public-private partnerships, and enhance access to advanced infrastructure.”
According to Kaza, targeted policies in biotechnology, quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing could ensure that the benefits of digitalisation are distributed equitably.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity is rapidly becoming a top priority. With growing threats in an increasingly digitised world, experts are urging the government to focus on strengthening national cybersecurity defences. Sunil Sapra, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, Eventus Security, said that the government must prioritise investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and initiatives to protect against evolving cyber threats.
Sapra also pointed to the “need for skill development in cybersecurity to build a robust talent pool capable of defending India’s digital ecosystem.”
In addition to these broader priorities, technology leaders are also looking for policy clarity and regulatory frameworks in emerging sectors like SaaS, Web3, and digital assets. Anand Jain, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, CleverTap, sees immense opportunity in these fields but believes government support will be critical.
“Clear regulations for digital assets and SaaS platforms can foster innovation and attract global investments. We need an environment that encourages competition and makes India a leader in these high-growth areas,” he said. Jain further noted the potential of AI-driven solutions to transform governance, healthcare, and education, adding that initiatives like INDIAai and ‘Make AI in India’ are already laying the groundwork.
Support for startups and MSMEs is another vital area of focus. Many believe that simplifying tax policies and offering funding incentives could give startups the resources they need to thrive. Jain suggested that extending the ESOP tax deferment policy to all DPIIT-recognised startups could help retain top talent. “This would be a game-changer for startups looking to scale while staying competitive globally,” he said.
At the heart of these priorities is the belief that workforce development must go hand in hand with technological advancements. Dubey pointed out that equipping people with future-ready skills will ensure sustainable growth for India’s tech sector. “Investing in skill development programmes focused on AI, cybersecurity, and other emerging fields will empower the workforce and create long-term opportunities,” he said.
Leaders also see Budget 2025 as an opportunity to align technology investments with environmental sustainability. Green technologies and eco-friendly practices, they believe, should be incentivised to complement India’s growth story. Dubey highlighted this as a natural extension of technological development, saying that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand with the right policies.
The industry sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with a shared belief that the upcoming Union Budget 2025 could define India’s trajectory in the digital era. Kaza said: “This is a chance to balance investments in cutting-edge technologies with the foundational needs of our economy, ensuring inclusive growth and solidifying India’s place on the global stage.”
