India's Startup Surge: A Decade of Innovation and Risk-Taking Redefines Economic Landscape

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India's transformed startup landscape on National Startup Day. In a decade, the ecosystem has grown from 500 to over 200,000 startups and expanded inclusivity, notably in women-led ventures. This growth marks a cultural shift towards embracing entrepreneurship, positioning startups as vital for India's economic future.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 16-01-2026 14:33 IST | Created: 16-01-2026 14:33 IST
India's Startup Surge: A Decade of Innovation and Risk-Taking Redefines Economic Landscape
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Image: ANI). Image Credit: ANI
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On National Startup Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the impressive transformation of India's startup ecosystem over the last decade. He noted that this period marks a revolution fueled by confidence, innovation, and a shift in societal attitudes toward entrepreneurship and risk-taking.

Reflecting on the early days of the Startup India initiative, which began ten years ago, Modi recounted a story of a woman entrepreneur who faced familial resistance upon entering the startup world. Since the program's inception in 2016, the startup landscape has evolved significantly, with Modi highlighting the rise from around 500 startups to more than 200,000 today.

Addressing the attendees, Modi pointed out that risk-taking and innovative thinking have become mainstream, contributing to economic growth and societal change. He lauded the expansion beyond major cities and the inclusion of women entrepreneurs, noting India's rank as second in the world for women-led startups. The Prime Minister stressed the role of startups in driving economic and innovation growth, positioning them as central to the future of India's economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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