Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that nearly 44,000 startups were registered in India in 2025, the highest annual figure since the launch of Startup India in 2016. Marking the initiative’s 10th anniversary, he highlighted India’s transformation into the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 2 lakh startups and 125 unicorns.
Historic Milestone
India’s entrepreneurial landscape reached a historic milestone in 2025, with nearly 44,000 new startups registered under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the National Startup Day celebrations in New Delhi, emphasized that this surge represents the biggest annual jump since Startup India’s inception.
Ecosystem Expansion
The ecosystem, which began with fewer than 500 startups in 2016, has now expanded to more than 2 lakh recognized ventures. India’s unicorn tally has also risen to nearly 125, with a combined valuation exceeding $350 billion. The Prime Minister credited Startup India for democratizing entrepreneurship, enabling youth from tier-2 and tier-3 cities to launch ventures across diverse sectors.
Key Highlights
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Nearly 44,000 startups registered in 2025, a record annual figure
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India now has over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups
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Unicorn count stands at nearly 125 with $350 billion valuation
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More than 50 percent of startups originate from tier-2 and tier-3 cities
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Startups have generated employment for over 21 lakh people
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Women directors lead nearly half of registered startups, boosting inclusivity
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IPO activity has risen even as funding slowed, showing resilience
Impact And Reflection
The record registrations underscore India’s growing reputation as a global innovation hub. The Prime Minister highlighted that risk-taking has become mainstream, with startups solving real-world problems in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. The ecosystem’s inclusivity, with significant participation from smaller towns and women entrepreneurs, reflects a cultural shift toward broad-based innovation.
Final Takeaway
India’s startup boom in 2025 demonstrates the success of Startup India in fostering entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and resilience. With record registrations, rising unicorns, and expanding employment, the country is firmly positioned as South Asia’s brightest growth engine, signaling a new era of innovation-led development.
Sources: The Hindu, Economic Times, Financial Express, Press Information Bureau
