From 400 to 2.3 Lakh Startups: How India Created 25 Lakh Jobs in a Decade

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.

Startup India Driving Entrepreneurial Growth

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.

Key Startup Ecosystem Highlights

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

Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities Powering Startup Growth

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.

Aerospace and Deep-Tech Startups Gain Momentum

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.

Emerging Sectors Driving Innovation

India is witnessing increased startup activity and policy support across several high-growth sectors, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Space Technology
• Biotechnology
• Quantum Computing
• Deep Ocean Exploration
• Nuclear Energy
• Aerospace & Defence
• Agri-Food Innovation

The government believes these sectors will play a critical role in driving India's long-term economic growth and technological leadership.

Focus on Innovation-Led Economic Growth

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:

• Technologies commercialized
• Startups incubated
• Investments secured
• Industry partnerships formed
• Jobs generated
• New products launched

India's Road to Viksit Bharat 2047

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.

Key Highlights

• India now has over 2.3 lakh startups
• Startup sector has generated 25 lakh jobs in 10 years
• India ranks as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem
• More than half of startups originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
• 125+ startups participated in RISE Conclave 2026
• 34 startups incubated through mach33.aero
• Government pushing innovation in AI, space, biotech, and deep-tech sectors
• Startup ecosystem expected to play a major role in Viksit Bharat 2047

How many startups are currently operating in India?

India currently has approximately 2.3 lakh startups, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

How many jobs have Indian startups created?

Indian startups have generated nearly 25 lakh jobs over the past decade.

What is India's global startup ranking?

India is currently the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world.

What percentage of startups come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities?

More than 50% of Indian startups now originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Which sectors are driving India's startup growth?

Key sectors include AI, aerospace, biotechnology, space technology, quantum computing, deep-tech, and agri-food innovation.