As per the data issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, more than 1,49,000 startups have been recognized under the initiative, with around 48% having at least one woman director and about 50% based in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Over the years, several programs have been implemented under the initiative to support entrepreneurs, build a robust startup ecosystem, and transform India into a nation of job creators rather than job seekers.

Today, recognized startups are present in every State and Union Territory, covering over 95% of the districts. These startups have reported the creation of over 16 lakh direct jobs. 

Key Initiatives 

Key initiatives under the program include the States’ Startup Ranking Framework and National Startup Awards, which aim to recognize and promote the startup ecosystem. Efforts like the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) and manufacturing incubation are driving product startups. Events such as Startup Mahakumbh have further strengthened the startup culture in the country.

PM’s vision 

Following the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, "Don't just keep your dreams local, make them Global," Indian startups are increasingly venturing beyond India’s borders. These startups are making a mark in both emerging economies and the developed world, showcasing their scalability and affordability on the global stage.

Read more about the efforts by DPIIT at: DPIIT inks MoU with HDFC Bank to empower startups with world-class banking and financial services

India’s startup ecosystem 

The startup ecosystem in India is thriving and experiencing remarkable growth. It ranks as the third-largest in the world, housing around 67 unicorns within the country and 109 unicorns globally. I've shared an article below that provides more insights into its performance in job creation—be sure to give it a read.

Read more: Indian startups create over 16.6 lakh direct jobs by Oct 2024, with IT Services leading the way. 

Top Indian startups include Zepto, Sprinto, Lucidity, Growth X, and Jar, as per LinkedIn.