PM Modi to Interact with India’s Vibrant Startup Ecosystem as ‘Startup India’ Turns 10
A Decade of Innovation, Job Creation, and Entrepreneurial Growth Celebrated in New Delhi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event in the national capital on Friday to mark 10 years of the ‘Startup India’ initiative, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced on Thursday.
Launched on January 16, 2016, ‘Startup India’ was designed to encourage new ideas, promote entrepreneurship, and drive economic growth through investment, with the vision of transforming India from a job-seeking nation to a job-giving nation.
According to the PMO, the program will feature interactions between PM Modi and members of India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem. Selected startup representatives will share insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, and the Prime Minister will also address the audience on this milestone occasion.
Over the past decade, India’s startup sector has grown tremendously, with over 200,000 startups recognized across the country. These ventures have played a pivotal role in job creation, technological innovation, and strengthening domestic supply chains across multiple sectors.
The ‘Startup India’ initiative has become a strong foundation for India’s economy and innovation ecosystem, according to the statement. It has enhanced institutional support, provided startups access to funding and mentorship, and created an environment that allows them to scale nationally and internationally.
Last week, PM Modi also urged startups to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for societal good, emphasizing that AI should be affordable, accessible, and transparent for everyone.
Government data shows that the number of startups in India is continuously rising. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has listed 2,01,335 startups under the ‘Startup India’ initiative, generating over 21 lakh jobs nationwide.
Additionally, patent filings by Indian innovators rose by 425% between 2014 and 2024, and India’s Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking improved in 2025, placing the country at 38th position globally.
This milestone underscores how ‘Startup India’ has transformed India’s entrepreneurial landscape, fostering innovation, employment, and global recognition over the past decade.
