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Nine Years of Startup India

On January 16, 2025, India marks nine years of Startup India, a transformative journey that began in 2016. Designated as National Startup Day, this occasion celebrates the nation’s strides in fostering a robust and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Launched as a flagship initiative of the Government of India, Startup India aimed to nurture innovation and catalyse the growth of startups across the country.

With more than 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of January 15, 2025, India has firmly established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. This vibrant ecosystem, driven by over 100 unicorns, continues to redefine innovation and entrepreneurship on the global stage. Major hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have led this transformation, while smaller cities have increasingly contributed to the nation’s entrepreneurial momentum.

Startups in fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce have tackled local challenges and gained global recognition. Companies like Zomato, Nykaa, and Ola showcase India’s shift from job seekers to job creators, driving economic progress.

Key Milestones of Startup India

Over the past nine years, the Startup India initiative has played a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. By fostering innovation and inclusivity, it has achieved remarkable milestones that highlight its impact on India’s economy and society.

  • The number of DPIIT-recognised startups has grown from around 500 in 2016 to 1,59,157 as of January 15, 2025.
  • As of October 31, 2024, a total of 73,151 recognised startups include at least one woman director, showcasing the rise of women entrepreneurs in India.
  • From 2016 to October 31, 2024, recognised startups have reportedly created over 16.6 lakh direct jobs, significantly contributing to employment generation.

Core Features of the Startup India Initiative

  • Ease of Doing Business: Simplified compliance, self-certification, and single-window clearances streamline processes for startups.
  • Tax Benefits: Eligible startups enjoy tax exemptions for three consecutive financial years.
  • Funding Support: The ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) supports early-stage funding.
  • Sector-Specific Policies: Focused policies for sectors like biotechnology, agriculture, and renewable energy foster targeted growth.

Industry-wise Jobs Created by Startups

As of October 31, 2024, DPIIT-recognised startups have created over 16.6 lakh direct jobs across various sectors, significantly contributing to employment generation. The IT Services industry leads with 2.04 lakh jobs, followed by Healthcare & Lifesciences with 1.47 lakh jobs, and Professional & Commercial Services with around 94,000 jobs. These contributions highlight the role of startups in driving economic growth and creating diverse employment opportunities across industries.

Flagship Schemes Implemented Under Startup India

The Startup India initiative has launched various flagship schemes to provide comprehensive support to startups across different stages of their journey. These schemes aim to address critical areas such as funding, market access, and credit guarantees, ensuring the growth and sustainability of startups.

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme

BHASKAR: Empowering India’s Startup Ecosystem

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT launched the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) platform in September 2024. This cutting-edge initiative, part of the Startup India program, aims to centralize and streamline interactions within India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By connecting startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies, BHASKAR aspires to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a global leader in entrepreneurship.

Key Features of BHASKAR are:

  • Seamless Networking: Connects startups, investors, mentors, and stakeholders for effective collaboration.
  • Centralized Resources: Provides quick access to essential tools and knowledge for scaling startups.
  • Unique Identification: Offers personalized BHASKAR IDs for streamlined interactions.
  • Enhanced Discoverability: Advanced search for resources and opportunities.
  • Global Outreach: Promotes India as a global innovation hub, enabling international collaborations.
  • Empowering Non-Metro Regions: Enables startups and entrepreneurs from non-metro cities and regions to connect with the larger startup ecosystem, fostering inclusivity and regional growth.

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