PM Modi Highlights Startup Revolution as India Marks 10 Years of Startup India Initiative

New Delhi– Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India’s youth are increasingly focused on solving real-world problems, as he addressed a special programme marking a decade of the Startup India initiative at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on the occasion of National Startup Day.

Addressing startup founders, innovators and young entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister said the Startup India journey over the last ten years represents millions of dreams turning into reality, rather than just the success of a government scheme. He noted that the confidence, courage and ambition of India’s youth are driving the country’s transformation into a global innovation hub.

Highlighting the scale of growth, PM Modi said that Startup India has evolved into a nationwide movement, making India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He pointed out that the number of startups has surged from fewer than 500 in 2014 to over 2 lakh today, while the count of unicorns has grown from just four to nearly 125 active unicorns. He added that in 2025 alone, around 44,000 new startups were registered, the highest ever in a single year.

The Prime Minister said that a major cultural shift has taken place in the country, with risk-taking now becoming socially accepted and respected. He observed that earlier, entrepreneurship was limited to a few privileged families, but today youth from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and even rural areas are launching startups and addressing grassroots challenges.

PM Modi also underlined the growing role of women entrepreneurs, noting that over 45 percent of recognised startups have at least one woman founder or director, making India one of the leading ecosystems for women-led startups globally.

Calling Startup India a “rainbow vision”, the Prime Minister said the initiative has connected diverse sectors such as defence, space, drones, fintech, healthcare, agriculture and sustainability with new opportunities. He highlighted reforms that opened the space and defence sectors to private participation, simplified compliance requirements, reduced regulatory burdens under the Jan Vishwas Act, and expanded market access through platforms like GeM.

Emphasising the importance of access to finance, PM Modi said government-backed mechanisms such as the Fund of Funds for Startups, seed funding schemes and credit guarantee programmes have helped ensure that lack of capital does not stifle innovation. He added that investments worth over ₹25,000 crore have already been facilitated through these initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister urged startups to focus more on manufacturing and deep technology, stating that India’s ambition must move beyond participation to global leadership. He highlighted emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green hydrogen and data centres, noting that startups will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s economic security and strategic autonomy.

PM Modi also referred to the upcoming AI Impact Summit in February 2026, calling it a major opportunity for India’s innovators. He said efforts under the India AI Mission, including access to high-end computing infrastructure, are aimed at ensuring that cutting-edge technology remains accessible to Indian startups.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the achievements of the past decade have proven India’s capabilities, and the next ten years should see Indian startups leading global trends and technologies. He assured continued government support, stating that the courage, confidence and innovation of startups are shaping India’s future.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other dignitaries were present at the event.