Startup India Transforms into a Revolution in 10 Years, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted how India’s startup ecosystem has transformed into a powerful engine of innovation and economic growth over the past decade. Addressing a special programme at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi to mark 10 years of the Startup India initiative, the Prime Minister said India’s youth are increasingly focused on solving real-world problems, with their courage, confidence and creativity shaping the nation’s future.

Speaking on the occasion of National Startup Day, PM Modi underlined that what began as a government-backed programme has now evolved into a nationwide movement driven by young entrepreneurs across the country.

Startup India’s Journey: From a Policy Initiative to a Nationwide Movement

“In just 10 years, the Startup India Mission has become a revolution”

The Prime Minister described Startup India as one of the most impactful transformations in independent India’s economic journey.
“In just 10 years, the Startup India Mission has become a revolution. Today, India is the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem,” he said.

Launched in January 2016, Startup India aimed to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and investment-led growth. A decade later, it has positioned India among the global leaders in startup activity, innovation output and unicorn creation.

India’s Explosive Startup Growth in Numbers

Startups Surge from Hundreds to Over Two Lakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the remarkable growth in the number of startups across India. He said the country had fewer than 500 startups a decade ago, a number that has now expanded to over two lakh recognised startups.

He further noted that 2025 alone witnessed the registration of around 44,000 new startups, making it the highest annual addition since the launch of Startup India.

India’s Rising Unicorn Count

India’s unicorn ecosystem has also expanded significantly. According to PM Modi, the country had only four unicorns in 2014, while the number has now risen to nearly 125 active unicorns.

This growth reflects increased investor confidence, deeper capital markets and improved policy support for high-growth ventures.

Changing Mindsets: Risk-Taking Becomes Mainstream

“Today, those who think beyond monthly salaries are accepted and respected”

Highlighting a cultural shift, PM Modi said that risk-taking, once discouraged in Indian society, is now widely accepted.
“Today, those who think beyond monthly salaries are accepted and respected,” he remarked.

Ideas that were earlier considered unconventional are now being embraced, signalling a transformation in how entrepreneurship is viewed across families, institutions and society.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship Across Tier-2, Tier-3 Cities and Villages

Startup India as a “Rainbow Vision”

The Prime Minister described Startup India as a “rainbow vision” that connects multiple sectors and regions with new opportunities.

He pointed out that entrepreneurs from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, as well as rural areas, are now launching startups that address grassroots challenges. This shift reflects the growing inclusiveness of India’s startup ecosystem and the widening access to innovation beyond major metropolitan hubs.

Women Entrepreneurs Play a Growing Role

India Emerges as a Global Hub for Women-Led Startups

PM Modi highlighted the increasing participation of women in India’s startup ecosystem. He said that over 45 per cent of recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner.

He further added that India has emerged as the world’s second-largest ecosystem for women-led startup funding, underscoring the country’s progress towards gender-inclusive entrepreneurship.

Building a Strong Innovation Ecosystem

Atal Tinkering Labs, Hackathons and Incubation Centres

Over the past decade, the government has focused on nurturing innovation from an early stage. PM Modi said initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, nationwide hackathons, and a growing network of incubation centres have played a key role in supporting young innovators and early-stage ideas.

These programmes aim to develop problem-solving skills, promote scientific thinking and bridge the gap between ideas and execution.

Regulatory Reforms Reduce Compliance Burden

Jan Vishwas Act and Decriminalisation Measures

The Prime Minister noted that regulatory reforms have significantly improved the ease of doing business for startups. He said the decriminalisation of over 180 provisions under the Jan Vishwas Act has reduced compliance burdens and encouraged innovation.

Such reforms have helped entrepreneurs focus more on growth and product development rather than regulatory hurdles.

Improved Access to Capital for Startups

Fund of Funds and Seed Support Schemes

PM Modi said access to funding has been strengthened through multiple government-backed initiatives. The Fund of Funds for Startups has supported investments worth over ₹25,000 crore, while schemes such as the Startup India Seed Fund and credit guarantee mechanisms have helped entrepreneurs secure funding without collateral.

These measures have been crucial in supporting early-stage startups and deep-tech ventures.

Startups and Emerging Technologies

AI, Semiconductors, Green Hydrogen and Space Tech

Emphasising the importance of next-generation technologies, the Prime Minister said startups will play a critical role in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green hydrogen and space technology.

He announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 and said the India AI Mission is supporting startups by providing access to advanced computing infrastructure, including over 38,000 GPUs.

Push Towards Manufacturing and Global Leadership

“India’s ambition should not be limited to participation”

Calling on startups to focus more on manufacturing, PM Modi said India must move beyond services and digital platforms to build world-class products and technologies.

“India’s ambition should not be limited to participation. It must aim for global leadership,” he said, urging startups to innovate at scale and compete internationally.

Government’s Continued Support for Startups

The Prime Minister assured entrepreneurs of continued government backing and expressed confidence that the next decade will see India leading global innovation trends.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other dignitaries were present at the event.

Startup India, launched on January 16, 2016, was envisioned to transform India into a nation of job creators rather than job seekers, a goal that continues to guide policy and reforms.

Conclusion

Over the past decade, Startup India has evolved from a policy initiative into a nationwide entrepreneurial movement. With over two lakh startups, nearly 125 unicorns, rising participation from women and entrepreneurs in smaller cities, and strong government support, India’s startup ecosystem is entering a new phase of maturity. As the focus shifts towards deep tech, manufacturing and global leadership, the next decade could firmly establish India as a global innovation powerhouse.