Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched the Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission portal and the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy-2026, aimed at strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem and providing young entrepreneurs with greater access to funding, incubation and business support.
At the launch event, incentives worth more than ₹3.42 crore were distributed to 107 startups, while nine incubators received ₹1.79 crore. Recognition certificates were also presented to newly recognised incubators.
UP Has Over 24,000 Startups and Eight Unicorns
Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh has witnessed significant growth in its startup ecosystem in recent years.
According to the Chief Minister, the number of startups in the state has increased from 120 before 2017 to more than 24,000 currently, with eight startups achieving unicorn status.
He said the growth reflects the changing entrepreneurial environment in the state and is also helping reshape the perception of Uttar Pradesh.
At the national level, he noted that India’s startup ecosystem has expanded from around 500 startups before 2014 to more than 2.5 lakh currently.
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₹3.42 Crore Incentives Distributed to Startups
The state government used the launch event to provide financial support to startups and incubators.
The assistance included:
- ₹3.42 crore-plus incentives for 107 startups
- ₹1.79 crore support for nine incubators
- Recognition certificates for new incubators
The initiatives are designed to provide young entrepreneurs with resources and platforms to develop their ideas into viable businesses.
Adityanath said the government wants to create an ecosystem where young people can receive the required funding, incubation support and opportunities to scale their ventures.
Women Lead Half of UP’s Startups
The Chief Minister highlighted the participation of women in the state’s startup ecosystem.
He said around half of the startups in Uttar Pradesh are being operated by women, describing their participation as an important part of the state’s demographic and entrepreneurial strength.
Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh’s population of around 25 crore should be viewed as a demographic advantage, particularly because the state has a large young and talented workforce.
Government Expands Support for Research and Innovation
The Uttar Pradesh government has also been supporting startup proposals from leading educational institutions, including IIT Kanpur, IIT-BHU and IIITs.
The government has introduced additional incentives for new startups and created a separate fund for universities to promote research and innovation.
The state is also supporting Centres of Excellence in emerging technology areas such as:
- MedTech
- Drone technology
- Quantum computing
- Space technology
- Robotics
- Green hydrogen
Fund of Funds and Plug-and-Play Spaces for Startups
Adityanath said the state government is prepared to further strengthen financial and infrastructure support for startups.
The measures include:
- Increasing the Fund of Funds
- Providing land to startups on lease
- Offering plug-and-play spaces
- Expanding incubation and innovation support
He urged startups and young entrepreneurs to move faster in building the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and converting innovative ideas into businesses.
CM Highlights Growth of UP’s Economy
The Chief Minister also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s economic transformation since 2017.
He claimed that the state has moved from being among the country’s bottom three economies before 2017 to becoming one of the top three economies.
According to Adityanath, over the past nine years:
- The state’s economy has tripled
- Per capita income has tripled
- Women’s workforce participation has increased
- The number of large industries has nearly tripled from around 12,000
He said the changes demonstrate the emergence of a new Uttar Pradesh that is positioning itself among India’s fastest-growing economies.
CM Says Policy and Infrastructure Are Supporting Startup Growth
Adityanath said startups, employment, education and incubators are interconnected and require an ecosystem based on public confidence, government commitment and supportive policies.
He also pointed to improvements in land availability, security and the state’s dedicated startup policy as factors supporting entrepreneurship.The Chief Minister said the government aims to provide young people with opportunities to turn their ideas into successful businesses and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
He described the launch of the UP Startup Mission portal and Startup Policy-2026 as part of the broader effort to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
