44,000 startups registered in 2025, highest ever: PM Modi
In a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the country registered nearly 44,000 startups in 2025, the highest annual addition since the launch of the Startup India initiative. This remarkable growth reflects a fundamental shift towards risk-taking, innovation, and a maturing startup ecosystem in India. Speaking at the 10-year milestone of the Startup India programme, PM Modi highlighted the government’s continued support for startups, particularly in deep-tech sectors, and the role of funding in driving growth.
The Startup India initiative was launched in 2016 with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in the country. Over the years, the programme has provided numerous benefits to startups, including tax exemptions, funding support, and mentorship opportunities. The government has also established a network of incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces to foster innovation and collaboration among startups.
The registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a testament to the success of the Startup India initiative and the growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship in the country. This number not only reflects the increasing number of new startups being formed but also the growing maturity of the ecosystem. Many of these startups are now scaling up to become unicorns, with some even achieving decacorn status.
The rise of the Indian startup ecosystem can be attributed to several factors, including the government’s supportive policies, the availability of funding, and the growing pool of talented entrepreneurs. The government has played a crucial role in creating a conducive environment for startups to thrive, with initiatives such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS). These schemes have provided critical funding support to startups, enabling them to scale up and achieve their growth potential.
In addition to funding support, the government has also focused on promoting deep-tech sectors, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy. These sectors have the potential to drive significant economic growth and create new opportunities for startups. The government has established specialized incubators and accelerators to support startups in these sectors, providing them with access to cutting-edge infrastructure, mentorship, and funding.
The growth of the Indian startup ecosystem has also been driven by the increasing availability of funding. Venture capital firms, private equity investors, and angel investors have all played a critical role in providing funding support to startups. The government has also encouraged corporates to invest in startups, with many large companies establishing their own venture arms and innovation labs.
The maturing of the Indian startup ecosystem is also reflected in the growing number of startup-to-unicorn stories. Many Indian startups have achieved unicorn status in recent years, with some even achieving decacorn status. These startups have not only created significant value for their investors but have also generated thousands of jobs and driven economic growth.
The government’s focus on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation has also led to the growth of a vibrant startup culture in India. Many cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, have emerged as major startup hubs, with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. The government has also established numerous initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, including hackathons, ideathons, and startup challenges.
In conclusion, the registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem. It reflects the growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship in the country, the government’s supportive policies, and the increasing availability of funding. As the ecosystem continues to mature, we can expect to see even more startups scaling up to become unicorns and driving economic growth.
The government’s continued focus on promoting deep-tech sectors and providing funding support will be critical in driving the growth of the startup ecosystem. The establishment of specialized incubators and accelerators will also provide startups with access to cutting-edge infrastructure, mentorship, and funding.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the Indian startup ecosystem has the potential to drive significant economic growth and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs. With the government’s continued support and the growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, we can expect to see even more startups emerging and scaling up to become major players in their respective industries.
News Source: https://ascendants.in/industry_events/nearly-44000-startups-registered-2025-narendra-modi-startup-india/
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