10 years of Start-up India: xx things about National Start-up Day

National Startup Day on 16 January 2026 celebrates ten years of the Startup India Initiative. This programme, launched in 2016, has built one of the largest startup networks worldwide, sparking entrepreneurship across India. It supports the nations goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 by boosting economic progress and spreading opportunities to every region, with over 200,000 startups active by late 2025. Cities like Bengaluru and Delhi lead the charge, yet half of new ventures now spring from smaller towns, showing how innovation reaches far beyond metros.

Startups fuel economic progress

Startups stand at the heart of Indias growth story. They spark new technologies that lift productivity in fields from farming to finance. Jobs multiply quickly, with direct roles in tech and services plus indirect ones in supply chains and gig platforms. Financial access grows as these firms bring digital tools to remote areas, while solutions in health, education and travel narrow gaps between villages and cities. Women lead in over 45% of recognised startups, often with key roles on boards, proving innovation promotes fairness and local empowerment.

Startup India builds innovation base

Led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Startup India has grown from basic policies into full support for entrepreneurs. Valued unicorns jumped from four in 2014 to over 120 today, worth more than $350 billion combined. The platform aids every step, from ideas to global expansion, linking startups with big firms for tech sharing and market entry. Real world examples include farm tech aiding growers with better sales links and electric vehicle services solving urban delivery needs, creating wide ripple effects.

Key funding schemes empower growth

Several funds channel money to early ventures. The Fund of Funds for Startups, with Rs 10,000 crore, backs over 140 investment funds that poured Rs 25,500 crore into 1,370 firms. Credit Guarantee covers loans worth over Rs 800 crore for 330 borrowers, easing bank access without collateral. Startup India Seed Fund, at Rs 945 crore, aids 215 incubators for prototypes and market tests.

Digital platforms connect ecosystem

Online tools unite players in the startup world. The Startup India Hub links founders, investors and mentors on one site. States Startup Ranking Framework scores regions on policies, pushing competition among states and union territories. Mentorship portal MAARG offers guidance nationwide, while Investor Connect matches early stage ideas with venture capital through simple pitches.

Atal mission fosters creativity

NITI Aayogs Atal Innovation Mission, with Rs 2,750 crore till 2028, builds innovation culture everywhere. Atal Tinkering Labs in 10,000 schools across 733 districts teach students AI, robotics and design thinking, reaching 11 million kids with 1.6 million projects. Community fellowships train grassroots innovators, and Youth Co:Lab backs young leaders on sustainable goals, including disability focused tech.

Aim 2.0 targets new frontiers

New efforts fill gaps. Language Inclusive Program sets 30 centres in 22 Indian tongues to aid non English speakers. Frontier initiatives tailor support for Jammu and Kashmir, northeast states and poor districts. Deeptech Reactor tests long term ideas, while international ties take Indian innovations abroad. Sectoral launchpads help ministries buy from startups.

Tech schemes drive deep innovation

MeitYs GENESIS scales 1,600 deep tech firms in smaller cities with Rs 490 crore. Startup Hub nurtures 6,148 ventures via 517 incubators. TIDE 2.0 funds ICT ideas in health and farming through 51 centres. DSTs NIDHI umbrella supports 12,000 startups and 130,000 jobs, with grants from Rs 10 lakh prototypes to Rs 100 lakh seeds.

Rural programmes spark local ventures

SVEP under rural missions aided 3.74 lakh village businesses by June 2025, boosting incomes. ASPIRES Livelihood Incubators offer up to Rs 1 crore each for gear and operations in backward areas. PMEGP gives subsidies up to 35% for micro units, favouring women, minorities and hill regions, with caps at Rs 50 lakh for making goods.

Future rests on bold innovation

India eyes a $7.3 trillion economy by 2030, powered by startups woven into key sectors. This decade marks a shift to lasting scale, blending youth energy, digital backbone and reforms. Ventures now fuel jobs, exports and solutions, anchoring the path to a developed nation by 2047.