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Startup India, launched by the Government of India, India's Startup Ecosystem has grown rapidly. The number of startups, employment, investment and new sectors have all steadily increased, positioning India as one of the world's leading startup hubs.
Launched in 2016, the Startup India program was launched to promote entrepreneurship in the country. It will complete 10 years of its inception on January 16, 2026. Over the past decade, this initiative has provided policy support to new businesses, innovation and technology-based companies. According to government data, Startup India has strengthened the ecosystem through registration, funding, tax exemptions and simplified regulations.
The Number Of Startups And Employment :
Startup India launch in 2016, there were approximately 400 recognized startups in the country, which has now grown to over 2.09 lakh. These startups have employed over 2.1 lakh people. On average, each startup creates approximately 11 jobs. Significantly, more than 50 percent of startups are based in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, strengthening entrepreneurship even in smaller cities.
Government Support And Funding :
Over the past ten years, several financial schemes have been implemented to strengthen startups. ₹10,000 crore was allocated under the Funds of Funds (FoF), leading to investments of over ₹22,900 crore in over 1,270 startups. The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme provided capital to early-stage startups. Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Scheme provided unsecured loans, which have supported loans worth over ₹750 crore to date.
Simplification Of Regulations And Market Access:
Under Startup India, special emphasis was placed on simplifying regulations. Over 4,000 compliances have been removed and thousands of legal provisions amended. Startups were given the option of self-certification, reducing the burden of inspections in the initial years. Startups were given the opportunity to participate directly in government procurement through the government e-marketplace, where transactions worth over ₹38,500 crore have taken place.
The Emergence Of Unicorns And New Sectors :
In the decade since Startup India, the number of unicorns in India has grown from four to over 120, with a combined valuation of over $350 billion. New sectors like defense tech, space tech, biotech, agritech and generative AI have entered the mainstream. Today, there are over 1,000 defense startups, over 380 space startups and nearly 900 AI-based startups active in the country.
