India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than 2.62 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), according to figures released by the government on National Entrepreneurship Day.
The country’s startup sector has expanded significantly over the past decade. The government said more than 55,200 startups were recognised during the 2025–26 financial year, the highest number recorded in a single year since the Startup India initiative began in 2016.
Recognised startups had created more than 23 lakh jobs by March 2026, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The figures highlight the sector’s growing contribution to employment and business activity.
More than one lakh recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner, indicating the participation of women in the country’s entrepreneurial sector.
Government initiatives supporting the ecosystem include Startup India, the Atal Innovation Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. Other programmes include the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Startup Hub and the Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs scheme.
These initiatives provide support through access to finance, mentorship, incubation and digital platforms. The government has also introduced programmes such as the Swavalambini Scheme to encourage entrepreneurship among women.
The expansion of the startup ecosystem has coincided with growth in sectors including financial technology, healthcare, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and manufacturing.
India’s position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem reflects the increase in recognised ventures and employment generated by the sector.
