New Delhi: India’s startup ecosystem is witnessing remarkable growth, with nearly 2 lakh startups recognised under the Startup India initiative and over 21 lakh direct jobs created, according to data presented in Parliament by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The figures reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and ease of doing business across the country.
Startup Recognition and Women Participation
As of 31 October 2025, a total of 1,97,692 entities have been recognised as startups by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the G.S.R. 127(E) notification issued on 19 February 2019.
A notable development in the ecosystem is the participation of women founders, with nearly 48% of recognised startups featuring at least one woman director or partner. Maharashtra continues to lead the country as a startup hub, hosting 34,444 recognised startups that have collectively generated over 3.76 lakh direct jobs.
Employment Generation and Financial Support
The recognised startups have emerged as a significant source of employment generation, collectively creating over 21.11 lakh jobs across India.
To support startups financially, the government offers tax incentives under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961, allowing eligible startups to claim a 100% tax deduction on profits for three consecutive assessment years. So far, 4,147 startups have received certificates under this scheme, enabling reinvestment into innovation, product development, and business expansion.
Further, government-backed schemes like the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) provide financial and institutional support to startups at all stages. These initiatives ensure access to funding, incubation, and credit, particularly for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Recognition, Awards, and Market Access
The government has successfully completed multiple editions of the States’ Startup Ranking Framework (SRF) and the National Startup Awards (NSA) to encourage regional ecosystems and recognise outstanding innovations. Additionally, the Startup Mahakumbh gatherings have facilitated networking, collaboration, and market exposure for entrepreneurs.
To expand market access, over 34,400 DPIIT-recognised startups have been onboarded onto the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform, collectively receiving over 4.8 lakh orders valued at more than ₹47,500 crore. The reforms in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) have also spurred innovation, with startups filing over 16,000 patent applications.
Ease of Doing Business and Regulatory Reforms
Startup India has also focused on reducing regulatory burdens through initiatives such as the Business Reform Action Plan, Jan Vishwas, and the Cost of Regulation exercise. More than 47,000 compliance requirements have been streamlined, including:
- 16,108 compliances simplified
- 22,287 processes digitised
- 4,557 provisions decriminalised
- 4,270 redundant compliances removed
Startups further benefit from tax relaxations related to ESOPs, GST concessions for incubator-based entrepreneurs, and more flexible rules for carrying forward losses.
Focus on Innovation, Green Technology, and Sustainability
The government has encouraged innovation through targeted programs across ministries and departments, supporting youth entrepreneurship and grassroots-level startups.
Green technology startups are emerging strongly, with 4,024 climate-tech startups recognised as of October 2025. Initiatives like the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, sustainability hackathons, and climate-focused awards promote environmentally responsible innovation.
Startup India’s Transformative Impact
The latest data demonstrates that Startup India continues to play a transformative role in shaping India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With nearly 2 lakh recognised startups, millions of jobs created, and a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and women-led ventures, India is steadily strengthening its position as a global startup powerhouse. The initiative reflects the government’s vision of fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready startup ecosystem.
