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. Speaking at the programme’s 10-year milestone, the Prime Minister highlighted the remarkable growth of the startup sector, which reflects a shift toward risk-taking, startup-to-unicorn growth, and a maturing ecosystem.
The Startup India initiative was launched in 2016 with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. Over the years, the programme has provided various benefits to startups, including funding support, tax exemptions, and regulatory simplifications. The initiative has also focused on creating a conducive ecosystem for startups to grow and thrive, with the establishment of incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces.
The registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a testament to the success of the Startup India initiative. This number represents a significant increase from previous years, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm and interest in entrepreneurship among Indians. The Prime Minister attributed this growth to the shift toward risk-taking and the willingness of young Indians to experiment with new ideas and innovations.
The rise of the startup ecosystem in India has also led to the growth of startup-to-unicorn companies. Unicorns are startups that have achieved a valuation of over $1 billion, and India has seen a significant increase in the number of unicorns in recent years. This growth is a reflection of the maturing ecosystem, which has provided the necessary support and resources for startups to scale and grow.
The government has also highlighted its continued funding support for startups. The Startup India initiative has provided funding to numerous startups over the years, and the government has announced plans to increase funding support in the coming years. This funding will be focused on deep-tech sectors, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy, which have the potential to drive significant growth and innovation in the country.
The focus on deep-tech sectors is a strategic move by the government to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in areas that have the potential to drive significant economic growth. Deep-tech startups are those that are working on cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things. These startups have the potential to drive significant innovation and growth, and the government’s focus on funding support for these sectors is a positive step toward promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.
The growth of the startup ecosystem in India has also led to the creation of new jobs and opportunities. Startups have created new employment opportunities, not only for founders and employees but also for freelancers and consultants. The growth of the ecosystem has also led to the development of new industries and sectors, such as e-commerce, fintech, and healthtech, which have created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators.
The Prime Minister’s announcement of the registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem. It reflects the growth and maturity of the ecosystem, which has provided the necessary support and resources for startups to grow and thrive. The government’s continued funding support and focus on deep-tech sectors will provide a further boost to the ecosystem, driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
In conclusion, the registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a significant achievement for the Indian startup ecosystem. It reflects the growth and maturity of the ecosystem, which has provided the necessary support and resources for startups to grow and thrive. The government’s continued funding support and focus on deep-tech sectors will provide a further boost to the ecosystem, driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. As the startup ecosystem continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in driving economic growth and innovation in India.
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