# Sitharaman calls for startup tech rollouts beyond cities

2026-08-13T17:56:00+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for startup-developed technologies with public applications to be deployed beyond major cities and into districts and government hospitals. Speaking at the Rajasthan Yuva Conclave 2026 in Jaipur, she said innovations should not remain limited to urban pilots or funding support but must quickly reach citizens. She cited an AI-based tool for early screening of developmental issues in children as an example. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said investment in the state's startups has grown from Rs 250 crore in 2023 to Rs 1,054 crore, and employment in the ecosystem has more than doubled to 49,000. Sitharaman is in Jaipur for the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings on August 12-13.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/startup-developed-technologies-need-wider-deployment-not-restrict-to-pilots-sitharaman-article-155608812>
- telanganatoday.com <https://telanganatoday.com/startups-must-reach-rural-remote-areas-says-nirmala-sitharaman>

Tags: AI in governance, BRICS FMCBG, Nirmala Sitharaman, Rajasthan Yuva Conclave, startup deployment
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