Startup India
On trackLaunched January 2016 · Economy
Simplify regulation, catalyse funding, and build a startup ecosystem, to turn job-seekers into job-creators.
What was promised
- Ecosystem scale: tax benefits, IP fast-track, government procurement preference, and a Fund of Funds. No single dated numeric target at launch.
7,534 recognised startups (about 3%) were categorised as closed as of 30 June 2026. The government does not centrally maintain unicorn counts, which rest on private valuations.
Progress update history
-
October 2026
DPIIT-recognised startups reached 2,50,046 by 27 October 2026, up from 2,40,092 at the end of June, with the recognised startups reporting over 25.42 lakh direct jobs across more than 770 districts. About half of the recognised startups are based outside the metros, and 48% have at least one woman director. The count keeps climbing past the 2.5 lakh mark a decade after Startup India launched.
-
July 2026
DPIIT-recognised startups: 2,40,092 as of 30 June 2026 (Rajya Sabha answer, July 2026); more than 21 lakh direct jobs created (DPIIT Year End Review, December 2025).
-
December 2025
More than 48% of recognised startups have at least one woman director; about half are based in Tier-II/III cities (DPIIT Year End Review, December 2025).
Sources: Parliament answer (Sansad), Startup India: recognised startups · PIB, DPIIT 2025 Year End Review · PIB, DPIIT-recognised startups 2,50,046 (27 October 2026)