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 achievement was highlighted by the Prime Minister while speaking at the programme’s 10-year milestone celebration. The event marked a decade of progress and growth for the Indian startup ecosystem, which has undergone a significant transformation over the years.
According to PM Modi, the impressive growth in startup registration reflects a shift toward risk-taking, startup-to-unicorn growth, and a maturing ecosystem. The government’s efforts to foster a conducive environment for startups have borne fruit, with the ecosystem witnessing a substantial increase in the number of startups being founded and scaling up. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
The Startup India initiative, launched in 2016, aimed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. The programme has played a crucial role in shaping the Indian startup ecosystem, with various initiatives and policies being introduced to support startups. These include funding support, tax exemptions, and simplification of regulatory frameworks. The government has also established various institutions and programs to provide mentorship, incubation, and acceleration support to startups.
The registration of nearly 44,000 startups in 2025 is a testament to the success of these initiatives. The number represents a significant increase from previous years, indicating a growing interest in entrepreneurship and innovation among Indians. The startups registered in 2025 span a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, and education. This diversity is a positive sign, as it indicates that the startup ecosystem is becoming more inclusive and representative of the country’s economic landscape.
The government has also highlighted its continued funding support for startups. Various schemes, such as the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, have been introduced to provide financial support to startups. These schemes have helped bridge the funding gap for early-stage startups, enabling them to scale up and achieve their growth potential.
In addition to funding support, the government has also announced a sharper focus on deep-tech sectors. These sectors, which include artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy, have the potential to drive significant economic growth and create new opportunities for employment. The government’s focus on deep-tech sectors is expected to attract more investment and talent into these areas, further accelerating the growth of the startup ecosystem.
The growth of the startup ecosystem has also led to an increase in startup-to-unicorn growth stories. Unicorns, which are startups valued at over $1 billion, have become a hallmark of the Indian startup ecosystem. The country has produced several unicorns in recent years, including companies such as Byju’s, Ola, and Paytm. These success stories have inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs, who are now looking to build scalable and sustainable businesses.
The maturing of the startup ecosystem has also led to an increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. Larger companies are now looking to acquire startups to enhance their capabilities and expand their offerings. This trend is expected to continue, with more M&A activity anticipated in the coming years.
In conclusion, the registration of nearly 44,000 startups in 2025 is a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem. The growth of the ecosystem is a testament to the success of the government’s initiatives and the hard work of entrepreneurs and innovators across the country. As the ecosystem continues to mature, we can expect to see more startup-to-unicorn growth stories, increased funding support, and a sharper focus on deep-tech sectors.
The future of the Indian startup ecosystem looks bright, with the government committed to providing continued support and encouragement to entrepreneurs and innovators. As PM Modi emphasized, the growth of the startup ecosystem is crucial for driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities. With the right policies and support in place, the Indian startup ecosystem is poised to become a major driver of economic growth and innovation in the years to come.
News Source: https://ascendants.in/industry_events/nearly-44000-startups-registered-2025-narendra-modi-startup-india/
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