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Wed, 16 Sept 2026
10:11:15 am
Wed, 16 Sept 2026
10:11:15 am
Rudransh Sangwan
Published at: June 15, 2026, 3:00 PM
Synopsis
India's startup ecosystem has grown to 2.3 lakh startups and created 25 lakh jobs in the last decade, says Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Learn about Startup India, Tier-2 city growth, AI, aerospace startups, and India's innovation journey.
India's startup ecosystem has generated nearly 25 lakh jobs over the last decade, while the number of startups in the country has grown from just a few hundred to approximately 2.3 lakh, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said at the RISE Conclave 2026 in Bengaluru.
The minister highlighted that India's rapid startup growth reflects the country's transformation into an innovation-driven economy and has positioned India as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
Speaking at the conclave, Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Startup India vision, launched in 2016, for creating a stronger entrepreneurial culture and encouraging innovation-led growth across the country.
According to the minister, India had only around 350–400 startups a decade ago, compared to nearly 230,000 startups today, showcasing one of the fastest startup ecosystem expansions globally.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Startups in India | 2.3 Lakh+ |
| Jobs Created | 25 Lakh+ |
| Global Startup Ranking | 3rd Largest Ecosystem |
| Startup Count 10 Years Ago | 350–400 |
| Startup India Launch | January 2016 |
| Event | RISE Conclave 2026 |
One of the most significant developments in India's startup journey has been the emergence of startups beyond major metropolitan cities.
According to Singh, more than 50% of Indian startups now originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, indicating that innovation and entrepreneurship are expanding across the country rather than remaining concentrated in traditional startup hubs.
This shift is helping create jobs, attract investments, and promote economic development in smaller cities and emerging regions.
The minister also highlighted the growing contribution of India's aerospace and deep-tech sectors.
He noted that mach33.aero, India's first public-private aerospace incubation center launched in December 2021, has already incubated 34 startups.
More than 125 startups participated in RISE Conclave 2026, with many operating in aerospace, advanced engineering, and technology-driven sectors.
India is witnessing increased startup activity and policy support across several high-growth sectors, including:
The government believes these sectors will play a critical role in driving India's long-term economic growth and technological leadership.
The conclave was organized under the theme "Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047" and brought together startups, researchers, investors, policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and academic institutions.
According to the minister, the success of such initiatives should be measured through:
Jitendra Singh emphasized that India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 will be driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific research, and startup-led economic growth.
He noted that India's young population will play a central role in building a self-reliant economy while creating globally competitive businesses and future unicorns.
With continued policy support, growing investor interest, and rising participation from smaller cities, India's startup ecosystem is expected to remain a key pillar of the country's economic transformation.
India currently has approximately 2.3 lakh startups, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Indian startups have generated nearly 25 lakh jobs over the past decade.
India is currently the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world.
More than 50% of Indian startups now originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Key sectors include AI, aerospace, biotechnology, space technology, quantum computing, deep-tech, and agri-food innovation.
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