In the year 2025 alone, nearly 44,000 new startups were registered

In a significant push to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, the Indian government has introduced transformative reforms in public procurement and opened up previously restricted sectors to private players. These initiatives are empowering startups across high-potential fields, enabling them to thrive and gain both domestic and global recognition. On the occasion of “National Startup Day”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted that in the year 2025 alone, nearly 44,000 new startups were registered, the largest increase in any single year since the beginning of Startup India, remarked that these figures testify to how India's startups are driving employment, innovation, and growth. He also mentioned about the dramatic shift in the space sector, which was once entirely closed to private participation. The sector has now been opened, paving the way for rapid growth. Today, nearly 200 startups are actively working in space technology, many of which are earning international acclaim for their innovations.

He also noted that in 2014 India had only four unicorns(Startups with valuation of more than US $ I Billion,) whereas at present, there are nearly 125 active unicorns, and the world is watching this success story with amazement. He further highlighted that the momentum of Startup India continues to accelerate, with today's startups becoming unicorns, launching IPOs, and creating more and more jobs.A similar success story is unfolding in the drone sector. For years, India lagged behind due to the absence of a supportive regulatory framework and outdated rules. By removing these barriers and placing greater trust in innovators, the government has unlocked immense potential, allowing the industry to catch up and flourish. To further boost market access for startups and small businesses, the government has leveraged the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform for public procurement.

This digital initiative has dramatically expanded opportunities, with around 35,000 startups and small enterprises now onboarded on GeM. These entities have collectively secured nearly 5 lakh orders worth approximately Rs 50,000 crore, providing them with crucial revenue streams and visibility. Startups are not only benefiting from easier market entry but are also creating new growth avenues across various sectors through their own success. However, access to capital remains a critical challenge — even the most promising ideas often fail to reach the market without adequate funding. Recognizing this, the government has prioritized financial support for innovators. Through the Fund of Funds for Startups, more than Rs 25,000 crore in investments have already been facilitated. This, along with complementary schemes like the Startup India Seed Fund, is ensuring that promising ventures receive the capital needed to scale and succeed.