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 witnessed the registration of nearly 44,000 startups in 2025, marking the highest annual addition since the launch of the Startup India initiative. This remarkable feat was highlighted by the Prime Minister while speaking at the programme’s 10-year milestone, where he emphasized the shift towards risk-taking, startup-to-unicorn growth, and a maturing ecosystem.
The Startup India initiative, launched in 2016, aims to foster entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and create a conducive environment for startups to thrive. Over the years, the programme has played a crucial role in shaping the Indian startup ecosystem, providing support, and facilitating growth. The latest figures announced by the Prime Minister demonstrate the success of the initiative and the growing enthusiasm among entrepreneurs to establish and grow their startups in India.
The rise in startup registrations can be attributed to various factors, including the government’s continued funding support, a sharper focus on deep-tech sectors, and a growing appetite for risk-taking among entrepreneurs. The Indian government has been actively promoting the startup ecosystem through various initiatives, such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, which provides financial assistance to early-stage startups. Additionally, the government has been encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship through programs like the Atal Innovation Mission, which aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students and entrepreneurs.
The growth of the startup ecosystem in India has also been driven by the increasing availability of funding options. Venture capital firms, angel investors, and private equity firms have been actively investing in Indian startups, providing them with the necessary resources to scale and grow. Furthermore, the government’s efforts to simplify regulatory frameworks and reduce bureaucratic hurdles have made it easier for startups to operate and expand their businesses.
The shift towards deep-tech sectors is another significant trend that has contributed to the growth of the startup ecosystem in India. Deep-tech startups, which focus on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity, have been gaining traction in recent years. These startups have the potential to create innovative solutions and drive disruption in various industries, and the government’s focus on supporting them is expected to further accelerate their growth.
The maturing ecosystem is also reflected in the increasing number of startups that are scaling up to become unicorns. A unicorn is a startup that has achieved a valuation of over $1 billion, and India has witnessed a significant rise in the number of unicorns in recent years. The growth of unicorns is a testament to the maturity of the ecosystem and the ability of Indian startups to compete with their global peers.
The Prime Minister’s announcement is a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem, and it highlights the country’s potential to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The government’s continued support and focus on promoting the startup ecosystem are expected to further accelerate growth and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups.
In conclusion, the registration of nearly 44,000 startups in 2025 is a remarkable achievement, and it demonstrates the success of the Startup India initiative. The growth of the startup ecosystem in India is a result of the government’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and it is expected to continue in the coming years. As the ecosystem continues to mature, we can expect to see more startups scaling up to become unicorns and creating innovative solutions that drive disruption in various industries.
The future of the Indian startup ecosystem looks promising, and it is expected to play a significant role in driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups. The government’s continued support and focus on promoting the startup ecosystem will be crucial in shaping the future of the industry, and it will be interesting to see how the ecosystem evolves in the coming years.
News Source: https://ascendants.in/industry_events/nearly-44000-startups-registered-2025-narendra-modi-startup-india/