On the occasion of National StartUp Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to India’s entrepreneurial community. He said the day celebrates the courage, innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of the nation’s youth, who have propelled India’s rise in the global startup ecosystem.
Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Best wishes to everyone associated with the world of StartUps on the occasion of National StartUp Day. Today is special because we mark a decade since the launch of StartUp India.”
Best wishes to everyone associated with the world of StartUps on the occasion of National StartUp Day. Today is special because we mark a decade since the launch of StartUp India. This day is about celebrating the courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of our…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2026
The Prime Minister will participate in an event at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi to mark the tenth anniversary of the Startup India initiative.
During the programme, he will interact with startup founders who will share insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting challenges, innovations and successes.
StartUp India’s Vision and Impact
Launched in January 2016, Startup India aimed to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and transform India into a nation of job creators rather than job seekers.
Over the past decade, the initiative has strengthened institutional support, expanded access to capital and mentorship, and fostered a conducive environment for startups to scale across sectors and regions.
India’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, with over 2,00,000 DPIIT-recognised startups as of December 2025.
These ventures have become engines of technological innovation, employment generation, financial inclusion and grassroots entrepreneurship.
High-value startups have expanded from four in 2014 to more than 120 today, with a combined valuation exceeding $350 billion.
Nearly half of all recognised startups now originate from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, while 45 per cent have at least one female director or partner, signalling a democratisation of entrepreneurship.
Government-backed programmes such as the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) have provided critical financial support.
Digital platforms such as Startup India Hub, MAARG Mentorship Portal and Investor Connect have facilitated mentorship, networking and funding for startups nationwide.
Sector-specific initiatives, including the Atal Innovation Mission, have also reinforced the ecosystem by establishing over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, engaging more than 1.1 crore students in innovation-focused projects across India.
National StartUp Day marks not just a decade of policy and progress but also celebrates India’s entrepreneurial resilience and its vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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