Himachal Pradesh is set to take a major leap towards self-reliant and inclusive industrial growth with the organization of Him MSME Fest 2026, scheduled from January 3 to 5, 2026, in Shimla. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the festival, being organized by the Department of Industries, is envisioned as a powerful platform to fulfill the aspirations of thousands of small entrepreneurs, artisans and start-ups across the State.
The Chief Minister said that Him MSME Fest 2026 would emerge as a milestone in connecting Himachal Pradesh’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with markets, investments and modern technologies, while also providing national and international recognition. He added that the festival would significantly strengthen the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Himachal’ by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
Highlighting the theme “The Craft of the Hills on the Global Stage,” CM Sukhu said that the event would act as a bridge between Himachal’s local and traditional products and global markets, giving artisans and entrepreneurs a wider platform for visibility and growth.
He further stated that the festival would serve as a unique convergence point for emerging and established start-ups, where ideas, innovation and investment would come together. Entrepreneurs would get the opportunity to showcase their products and services, interact directly with investors and buyers, and explore new avenues for business expansion.
CM Sukhu said that Him MSME Fest 2026 is a priority initiative of the State Government aimed at promoting inclusive industrial development, with special focus on investment facilitation, women entrepreneurship and enterprise promotion.
Industries Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan said that the inaugural session of the festival would feature Start-up Awards and a felicitation ceremony, followed by a vibrant cultural evening showcasing the rich folk traditions of Himachal Pradesh.
He informed that a special exhibition of handcrafted shawls would be organized on the first day of the festival, highlighting the traditional weaving and handicraft heritage of various districts and offering visitors a glimpse into the State’s economic and cultural diversity.
Outlining the future industrial roadmap of Himachal Pradesh, the Industries Minister said that sectors such as green mobility, defence manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, dairy, food processing, artificial intelligence, electronic chips and data centres are being given priority to accelerate industrialization. He added that strategic dialogues are underway with leading industry players in these emerging sectors to attract fresh investments to the State.
Special emphasis during the festival would be laid on women entrepreneurship and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Through buyer-seller meets, knowledge-sharing sessions and networking interactions, women and rural entrepreneurs would gain access to new markets and opportunities, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
During the event, direct interactions will also be facilitated with major national and global platforms such as Walmart, Amazon, ONDC and GI-tagged marketplaces, opening new doors for market linkage.
The Him MSME Fest 2026 is being organized in consultation with Ernst & Young, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
#HimMSMEFest2026 #AtmanirbharHimachal #CMSukhvinderSinghSukhu #HarshVardhanChauhan #MSMEIndia #StartupIndia #MakeInHimachal #WomenEntrepreneurship #ODOP #IndustrialGrowth #CraftOfTheHills #HimachalPradesh
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
