New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed India’s young entrepreneurs for driving innovation and addressing real-world challenges, as he celebrated 10 years of the Startup India mission at a grand event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Praising startup founders and innovators, the Prime Minister said their efforts have not only transformed the domestic economy but have also enhanced India’s global standing as a hub of innovation.
“India’s youth are focused on solving real problems. Driven by innovation and enterprise, India’s startups are shaping a self-reliant and resilient economy,” PM Modi said while addressing the gathering. He described Startup India as more than just a government programme, calling it a revolution that has fundamentally changed the entrepreneurial landscape of the country.
India Emerges as Global Startup Powerhouse
Highlighting the remarkable progress over the last decade, the Prime Minister noted that India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. “Ten years ago, there were fewer than 500 startups in India. Today, that number has crossed 2,00,000,” he said.
PM Modi also pointed to the rapid rise in unicorns—privately held startups valued at over $1 billion. “In 2014, India had just four unicorns. Today, the country boasts more than 125 active unicorns, a growth that has captured global attention,” he added. Many of these startups, he said, are now launching initial public offerings (IPOs) and creating thousands of jobs across sectors.
Innovation Across Diverse Sectors
The Prime Minister emphasized that Indian startups are no longer confined to a few domains. Today, they are working across over 50 sectors, including deep tech, space technology, drone technology, quantum computing, agritech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
“I see before me the future of a new and emerging India,” PM Modi said, applauding the courage of young entrepreneurs who dared to dream and innovate despite challenges.
From Elite Concept to Inclusive Movement
Recalling the situation a decade ago, PM Modi said innovation and individual enterprise had limited scope, and startups were often seen as risky ventures accessible only to the privileged. “We challenged those circumstances. We launched Startup India and gave the youth an open sky. Today, the results are in front of us,” he said.
He stressed that Startup India has enabled young people from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as well as rural areas, to participate in the country’s growth story, making entrepreneurship more inclusive.
Women at the Forefront of Startup Growth
The Prime Minister underlined the growing role of women in India’s startup ecosystem. “Women are major contributors to the Startup India mission. Around 45 per cent of recognized startups have at least one woman director or partner,” he said. He added that India now has the second-largest global ecosystem for women-led startup funding, reflecting a significant shift toward gender-inclusive entrepreneurship.
Focus on Manufacturing and Global-Quality Products
While acknowledging India’s success in digital startups and the service sector, PM Modi urged entrepreneurs to focus more on manufacturing and product innovation. “Now is the time to create new products of the world’s best quality. In technology, too, we must take the lead with unique ideas,” he said.
Assuring continued support, the Prime Minister concluded by saying, “The future belongs to innovation. I assure you, the government stands with you in every effort of yours.”
