Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on January 16. The Startup India initiative marked its 10th anniversary with an event hosted, celebrating a decade of entrepreneurial growth, innovation and job creation across the nation. The programme took place on National Startup Day, an occasion dedicated to acknowledge the spirit and achievements of India’s startup ecosystem.
Startup India was launched on January 16, 2016, to transform India into a nation of job creators rather than job seekers. Over the past ten years, the initiative has evolved into one of India’s most defining programmes for innovation and enterprises.
A Decade of Growth and Transformation
“Startup India is not just a scheme, it is a rainbow vision connecting diverse sectors with new opportunities,” emphasised PM Modi.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the remarkable journey of Startup India, noting the shift from a modest beginning to a global startup powerhouse. He recalled that in 2016, the country had fewer than 500 recognised startups. Today, that number has grown to more than 200,000, making India the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world.
Modi underscored that in 2014, India had only four unicorns — startups valued at over $1 billion. Today, the nation boasts nearly 125 active unicorns, a testament to the robust growth and global appeal of Indian startups.
The Prime Minister called Startup India “not just a scheme but a revolution,” and noted that the ecosystem has produced rapid job creation, innovation-led growth, and expanded opportunities for youth across sectors. In 2025 alone, about 44,000 new startups were registered, the largest single-year increase since the programme’s inception.
Youth, Inclusive Growth and Mindset Change
A key theme of the PM’s address was the transition in mindset towards entrepreneurship. Modi said Indian youth are now focused on solving real problems, driven by confidence and ambition. Risk-taking, once viewed as precarious, has become mainstream and is now respected.
He pointed out the inclusive nature of this transformation. Youth from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and even rural areas, are now launching startups. Importantly, more than 45% of recognised startups include at least one woman director or partner. He stressed India has become the second-largest ecosystem in women-led startup funding, a reflection of widening participation.
Ecosystem Support and Policy Measures
The programme’s success rests on a broad framework of policy support, funding mechanisms, and regulatory ease:
- The Fund of Funds for Startups has facilitated investments exceeding ₹25,000 crore, providing long-term capital support.
- Seed funding initiatives like the Startup India Seed Fund, the IN-SPACe Seed Fund, and the NIDHI Seed Support Programme help early-stage ventures take flight.
- A Credit Guarantee Scheme reduces barriers for startups lacking collateral.
- Regulatory improvements under the Jan Vishwas Act decriminalised over 180 provisions, encouraging self-certification and simplifying compliance.
- Initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs, hackathons, and incubation centres promote innovation from a young age.
The PM also noted the expansion of startups in sectors once seen as difficult to enter, such as defence manufacturing, space tech, and drone technology, thanks to reforms and market platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
Looking Ahead: Future Priorities
While celebrating the past decade, the Prime Minister urged startups to prepare for future challenges and opportunities, especially in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tech. India will host the AI Impact Summit in early 2026, offering a platform for innovation and collaboration. He highlighted efforts under the India AI Mission, including access to over 38,000 GPUs to help Indian startups build advanced AI solutions.
Modi stressed that India’s ambition should go beyond participation to global leadership in technology, innovation and manufacturing. He assured that the government will continue to stand with startups as they shape the nation’s economic future.
Ten years into its journey, Startup India has catalysed a dynamic and resilient ecosystem. With persistently increasing diversity, broader geographical reach, and stronger financial infrastructure, India’s startup movement is poised for continued growth. As the nation looks forward to the next decade, the focus remains on innovation, employment, and sustainable economic transformation.
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