44,000 startups registered in 2025, highest ever: PM Modi
The Indian startup ecosystem has achieved a significant milestone, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that the country has registered nearly 44,000 startups in 2025. This is the highest annual addition since the launch of the Startup India initiative, which was introduced in 2016 to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. Speaking at the programme’s 10-year milestone, PM Modi highlighted the remarkable growth of the startup ecosystem, which reflects a shift toward risk-taking, startup-to-unicorn growth, and a maturing ecosystem.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as a testament to the government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. The Startup India initiative was launched with the aim of creating a conducive environment for startups to grow and thrive. Over the years, the programme has provided various benefits to startups, including tax exemptions, funding support, and regulatory simplifications. The results are evident, with the number of startups in the country growing exponentially over the past decade.
The registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a significant achievement, considering that the country had only around 300-400 startups in 2015, before the launch of the Startup India initiative. This growth is a reflection of the changing mindset of the Indian youth, who are now more willing to take risks and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation have also played a crucial role in this growth, with various initiatives and programmes being launched to support startups.
One of the key factors contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem is the increasing availability of funding. The government has been actively promoting funding support for startups, with various initiatives such as the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme. These initiatives have helped to provide funding to startups, enabling them to grow and scale their businesses.
In addition to funding support, the government has also been focusing on promoting deep-tech sectors, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. These sectors have huge potential for growth and can help to create new opportunities for startups. The government has been actively promoting research and development in these areas, with various initiatives and programmes being launched to support startups working in these sectors.
The rise of the startup ecosystem has also led to the growth of unicorns in the country. Unicorns are startups that have achieved a valuation of over $1 billion, and India has seen a significant increase in the number of unicorns over the past few years. This growth is a reflection of the maturing ecosystem, with startups now able to scale and grow their businesses to achieve significant valuations.
The government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation have also led to the creation of a number of startup hubs across the country. Cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai have emerged as major startup hubs, with a large number of startups and entrepreneurs based in these cities. These hubs have helped to create a thriving ecosystem, with startups able to access funding, talent, and other resources to grow and scale their businesses.
In conclusion, the registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a significant achievement for the Indian startup ecosystem. The growth of the ecosystem reflects a shift toward risk-taking, startup-to-unicorn growth, and a maturing ecosystem. The government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation have played a crucial role in this growth, with various initiatives and programmes being launched to support startups. As the ecosystem continues to grow and mature, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come.
The government’s continued funding support and sharper focus on deep-tech sectors will be critical in driving the growth of the startup ecosystem. With the right support and resources, startups will be able to grow and scale their businesses, creating new opportunities and driving economic growth. As PM Modi noted, the rise of the startup ecosystem is a reflection of the changing mindset of the Indian youth, who are now more willing to take risks and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the Indian startup ecosystem has a huge potential for growth and development. With the government’s continued support and the growing number of startups, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone interested in the startup ecosystem, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in the Indian startup scene.
News Source: https://ascendants.in/industry_events/nearly-44000-startups-registered-2025-narendra-modi-startup-india/