Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s leading startup hub, credited to the state government’s forward-thinking policies and robust support system. Sunil Kumar Sharma, the state’s Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted that this achievement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India, propelled by initiatives such as “Make in India”.  

Speaking at the “Bharat Startup Festival” (Noida Edition), a flagship event by the Bharat Startup and Innovation Society (BSIS) promoting entrepreneurship nationwide, Sharma remarked, “The Prime Minister’s vision for a self-reliant India has inspired initiatives like *Make in India*, which have been pivotal in driving the nation toward ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.”  

Uttar Pradesh now boasts the country’s most vibrant startup ecosystem, with approximately 12,000 registered startups, including 5,000 led by women entrepreneurs. This surge is underpinned by the ‘Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy’, first introduced in 2020 and revamped in 2022, which seeks to cement the state’s status as a hub for innovation. Key policy objectives include the establishment of 100 incubators, ensuring at least one in every district, and the creation of over one million square feet of incubation and acceleration space to support startups. These measures underscore Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.