Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in an event on January 16 to mark a decade since the launch of Startup India initiative, the government said on Wednesday, as the different ministries highlights the growth of startup sector amid broader economic challenges.
The programme, to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, coincides with National Startup Day and is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. The prime minister is scheduled to interact with startup founders and address the gathering, while selected entrepreneurs will share their experiences.
Startup India was launched on January 16, 2016, with the stated aim of encouraging innovation, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting investment-led growth. The initiative sought to shift India’s economic focus towards job creation through new businesses rather than reliance on traditional employment avenues.
Over the past decade, India’s startup ecosystem has expanded rapidly, driven by increased access to capital, the spread of digital infrastructure and a growing domestic market.
Over 200,000 startups officially recognised
According to government data, more than 200,000 startups have been officially recognised under the programme, spanning sectors such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare and services.
Government officials say the initiative has helped improve institutional support for startups through measures such as simplified regulations, access to funding and mentorship programmes. Startups have also been positioned as contributors to employment generation and domestic value chains.
While the number of registered startups has risen sharply, challenges remain. Many young companies continue to face funding constraints, high failure rates and regulatory hurdles, particularly outside major urban centres.
Slower global venture capital flows and tighter funding conditions have also tested the resilience of startups in recent years.
India is now home to one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, but sustaining growth will depend on factors such as access to long-term capital, skilled talent and clearer exit pathways, including public listings and acquisitions, according to a senior industry executive.
The January 16 event is expected to showcase on the evolution of the Startup India programme and outline the government’s priorities for the sector going forward, as policymakers balance support for innovation with broader economic and fiscal pressures.
