Over the last 10 years, India’s startup ecosystem has seen a spectacular metamorphosis,  becoming one of the world’s most vibrant and widely dispersed entrepreneurial environments. Speaking on the occasion of the Startup India initiative’s tenth anniversary, Union Minister  for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized the extent of this development,  pointing out that over 50 firms are being acknowledged in India every day. 

The Minister emphasized that the government’s prompt and persistent policy interventions  have been crucial in creating a strong, innovative, and business-friendly startup environment.  According to him, the emphasis has been on developing fresh concepts, making it possible  for them to grow, and setting up Indian entrepreneurs for international growth. More chances  for entrepreneurs to enter foreign markets and have a global impact are anticipated as India  fortifies its economic connections with other countries. 

Quick Growth Supported by Robust Policy 

The robustness of this ecosystem is demonstrated by official statistics published by the  Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). As of December 31, 2025,  there were more than two lakh DPIIT-recognized startups in India, which collectively created  more than 21 lakh employment nationwide. With the largest year-over-year increase of 31  percent between 2024 and 2025, the economic momentum has been very robust in recent  years. 

Piyush Goyal reaffirmed that the Startup India initiative has enabled entrepreneurs to turn  concepts into businesses, significantly adding to India’s overall economic development  narrative. He said that during the last ten years, acknowledged startups have grown at a  compound annual growth rate of about 95%, highlighting the ecosystem’s depth and  sustainability. 

Geographically Diverse and Inclusive Growth 

India’s startup path has been renowned for its geographical dispersion. Although there are  startups in every state and Union Territory, more over half of recognized companies presently 

come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Today, the ecosystem encompasses over 55 businesses,  demonstrating the increasing diversification beyond IT services into areas including  manufacturing, deep tech, agritech, space, defense, and other developing fields. 

Additionally, the ecosystem has witnessed a good movement towards inclusive  entrepreneurship, as evidenced by the fact that over 45% of businesses include at least one  female director or partner. 

The Role of Government in Promoting Growth 

Through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), public procurement has become a potent  growth tool for entrepreneurs. Government buyers are now more accessible thanks to  programs like the GeM Startup Runway and loosened procurement regulations. Over 34,800  startups have been added to the platform as a consequence, and together they have received  over 4.9 lakh orders totaling over ₹49,000 crore, greatly increasing domestic output,  especially among MSMEs. 

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, which has authorized ₹945 crore and selected over 215  incubators, has significantly boosted early-stage investment. approximately 3,200 businesses  have benefited from these incubators’ approval of approximately ₹590 crore, which has  helped close important financing shortages. 

Global Prospects and Regulatory Reforms 

With a pledged capital of ₹10,000 crore, the government’s Fund of Funds for firms has  enabled investments surpassing ₹25,500 crore in more than 1,370 firms, further accelerating  growth. The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups has made it easier for fledgling businesses  without traditional collateral to get loan funding. 

Additionally, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar recognized that India’s worldwide innovative  footprint has been strengthened by persistent reforms, a strong digital infrastructure, and  strong governmental support. When taken as a whole, these actions have established India’s  startup ecosystem as a major force behind long-term economic development, innovation, and  employment.