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 rise in startup registrations reflects a shift towards risk-taking, startup-to-unicorn growth, and a maturing ecosystem, indicating a promising future for the Indian startup landscape.
The Startup India initiative was launched in 2016 with the aim of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in the country. Over the years, the programme has provided various benefits, including funding support, tax exemptions, and simplified regulatory frameworks, to help startups grow and thrive. The government’s efforts have borne fruit, with the number of startups in India increasing exponentially since the launch of the initiative.
According to the Prime Minister, the 44,000 startups registered in 2025 is a testament to the country’s growing entrepreneurial spirit and the government’s commitment to supporting innovation. He emphasized that the rise in startup registrations is not just a numbers game, but also reflects a fundamental shift in the mindset of Indian entrepreneurs, who are now more willing to take risks and pursue their passions.
The growth of the startup ecosystem in India has also led to the emergence of several unicorns, or startups with a valuation of over $1 billion. The country has seen a significant increase in the number of unicorns in recent years, with many startups in sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and healthtech achieving remarkable success. The Prime Minister noted that the startup-to-unicorn growth trajectory is a key indicator of the ecosystem’s maturation and its ability to produce successful, scalable businesses.
The government has also highlighted its continued funding support for startups, with a focus on deep-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy. The government has launched various funding schemes, including the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, to provide financial support to startups at various stages of their growth. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is committed to providing a conducive environment for startups to grow and thrive, and will continue to provide funding support and other benefits to help them succeed.
The 44,000 startups registered in 2025 are spread across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, healthtech, and edtech. The growth of these sectors is expected to continue in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for digital services and the government’s push for digitalization. The Prime Minister noted that the startup ecosystem has the potential to create millions of jobs and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
In conclusion, the registration of 44,000 startups in 2025 is a significant milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem, and a testament to the government’s efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship. The growth of the ecosystem is expected to continue in the coming years, driven by the government’s funding support, a shift towards risk-taking, and a maturing ecosystem. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that the startup ecosystem will play a key role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting innovation.
The government’s focus on deep-tech sectors is also expected to yield positive results, with many startups in these sectors having the potential to create breakthrough innovations and solve complex problems. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on the importance of the startup ecosystem is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and its recognition of the role that startups can play in driving economic growth and development.
As India continues to grow and develop, it is likely that the startup ecosystem will play an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future. With the government’s support and the entrepreneurial spirit of Indian startups, the country is well on its way to becoming a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.