Delhi has released a draft Startup Policy designed to nurture 5,000 new startups by 2035 through a mix of funding, cost relief, and streamlined support. Key proposals include a dedicated venture fund, reimbursements for coworking leases and patent filings, operational incentives, and extra benefits for women founders. A monitoring body and a digital portal would coordinate schemes, track outcomes, and keep founders informed, while public institutions act as early customers through pilot procurement programs.

The philosophy is practical: reduce the time and money it takes to start, protect early runway, and expand talent pipelines. By subsidizing common expenses and creating a shared front door, the policy aims to keep founders focused on product and customers. It also encourages intellectual property creation with filing support, and lowers friction for proof-of-concept deployments inside the city’s services, schools, and hospitals—often the hardest step for young ventures seeking credibility.

To succeed, execution must be crisp. Transparent eligibility, timely disbursals, and independent impact reviews will determine whether funds create durable companies or simply short-term activity. The policy’s ambition to build a truly inclusive ecosystem will hinge on access for non-metro migrants, college-town founders, and career returners, alongside stronger university-industry links. If Delhi can combine patient capital with predictable rules and buyer access, it could convert startup energy into jobs and exports at scale. The next step is public consultation to fine-tune incentives, balance sector priorities, and codify safeguards that prevent misuse. A clear roadmap with quarterly milestones, founder feedback loops, and open data on grant outcomes would help the policy evolve from document to engine—and make Delhi a benchmark for urban innovation. Speed and trust matter.