The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized 157,066 startups, with 759,303 users registered on its portal as of December 25, according to the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Highlighting the success of the ‘Startup India Initiative,’ the ministry revealed that over 73,000 startups with at least one woman director are part of this ecosystem, accounting for nearly half of all government-supported startups.

India has cemented its position as the third-largest startup hub globally, with a thriving ecosystem of over 100 unicorns that continue to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. “The entrepreneurial spirit in India has undergone a paradigm shift in the last decade. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have become epicenters of innovation,” the ministry stated.

In 2024, 13 startups launched initial public offerings (IPOs), collectively raising over ₹29,200 crore from the stock market. Of this, ₹14,672 crore was raised through fresh issues, while ₹14,574 crore came through offers for sale. The IPOs included 10 mainboard and 3 SME listings.

The rapid growth of the Indian startup ecosystem has been fueled by affordable internet access and a young, dynamic workforce. Startups are flourishing across sectors such as fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce. Many are leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to address local and global challenges, as outlined in the ‘Indian Startup Ecosystem Report’ by Startup India.

Launched in 2016, the flagship Startup India program has played a crucial role in fostering this ecosystem. Complementary initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) further support entrepreneurs with infrastructure and funding.

India’s vibrant startup culture is a testament to its ability to drive global innovation and economic growth, setting the stage for a promising future in entrepreneurship.