On the occasion of National Startup Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated India’s startup community, describing startups as engines of change that are shaping the future of the country’s economy and society. This year Startup India initiative has completed 10 years and adds more than 50 new startups every single day. 

“Best wishes to everyone associated with the world of StartUps on the occasion of National StartUp Day. Today is special because we mark a decade since the launch of StartUp India. This day is about celebrating the courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of our people, especially our youth, who have powered India’s rise in the global StartUp ecosystem,” Modi said in a post on X. 

Over the last decade, Startup India has helped turn ideas into enterprises, backed by policy support, funding access, mentorship, and easier compliance. As of December 2025, India has more than 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups, making it one of the largest startup hubs globally, according to an official release. 

The Prime Minister described startups as a force shaping India’s future, both economically and socially. “StartUps are engines of change that are shaping the future of our economy and society. They are doing exceptional work in addressing the challenges our planet faces and at the same time generating opportunities for people. I am proud of each and every person who dared to dream big, challenged conventional norms, took risks and created a transformative impact through their StartUps,” he said. 

Government support and reforms 

The Prime Minister said government reforms have played a key role in creating a supportive environment for startups to take risks and enter new sectors. 

“The Government of India has been working with all stakeholders to further strengthen India’s StartUp ecosystem. The Reform Express that India has embarked on has created a very conducive atmosphere for StartUps to venture into areas previously unthinkable, be it space, defence and more,” he said. 

Modi also acknowledged that startups do not grow in isolation and credited mentors, investors and institutions for their role. “This is also a day to acknowledge the ecosystem of mentors, incubators, investors, academic institutions and others who support StartUps. Their support and insights go a long way in encouraging our youth as they innovate and contribute to growth,” Modi said. 

Emerging minds from Tier II and Tier III cities 

India’s startup growth is no longer limited to big metros. According to official estimates, around 50% of recognised startups now come from Tier II and Tier III cities, pointing to the wider spread of entrepreneurship. Startups are also helping bridge the rural-urban gap through solutions in agri-tech, telemedicine, microfinance, tourism and education. 

Women-led entrepreneurship has emerged as a key strength. More than 45 percent of recognised startups today have at least one-woman director or partner, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive growth. 

From policy push to full-scale movement 

Launched in 2016, the Startup India initiative, led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has evolved from a policy idea into a nationwide movement. What started as a push to energise entrepreneurship is now a full lifecycle support system covering ideation, funding, mentorship and scale. 

India’s high-value startup landscape reflects this change. The number of unicorns has grown from just four in 2014 to over 120 today, with a combined valuation of more than $350 billion. Startups are creating jobs across technology, services and manufacturing, while also generating indirect employment through gig work and supply chains. 

Innovation-led startups are also transforming traditional sectors. Agri-tech platforms are helping farmers access markets directly, while clean mobility startups are scaling electric vehicle solutions for last-mile delivery. These changes are creating ripple effects across finance, logistics, sustainability and digital infrastructure. 

Key schemes powering startup growth 

Several flagship schemes have supported this growth: 

• The Fund of Funds for Startups, with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, has committed funds to over 140 alternative investment funds, which have invested more than ₹25,500 crore in over 1,370 startups. 

Beyond Startup India, initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, GENESIS, MeitY Startup Hub, TIDE 2.0, NIDHI, SVEP, and ASPIRE have strengthened innovation in schools, universities, rural areas and emerging technology sectors. 

Through programmes like Atal Tinkering Labs, more than one crore students have been exposed to hands-on learning in areas such as AI, robotics, and 3D printing, helping build a strong pipeline of future entrepreneurs.