India is now home to over 2 lakh govt-recognised startups, says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

India is now home to more than 2 lakh government-recognised startups, with over 44,000 entities added this year alone, the highest annual addition since the launch of the Startup India initiative in 2016, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday.

Sharing the update in a post on X, Goyal highlighted the sector’s growing contribution to employment, innovation and inclusive economic development.

“What makes this success sweeter is that nearly 48% of these startups have at least one woman director/partner. These startups have also helped generate over 21 lakh direct jobs,” he said.

An incredible milestone to wrap up 2025!

India is now home to over 2 lakh government-recognised startups, with over 44,000 entities recognised this year alone, the highest in a year since the inception of the @StartupIndia initiative.

What makes this success sweeter is that… pic.twitter.com/5p6aHh16Uk

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) December 12, 2025

The rising participation of women entrepreneurs has emerged as a notable feature of this growth. Nearly half of all recognised startups now include at least one woman director or partner.

Government-backed funding and credit support schemes have played a central role in sustaining the momentum. Under the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Alternative Investment Funds have invested over Rs 25,320 crore across more than 1,350 startups, helping crowd in private venture capital. The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups has extended over Rs 775 crore in guarantees, easing access to debt for early-stage companies.

Early-stage funding support has also expanded through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). More than Rs 585 crore has been approved for over 3,200 startup applications through incubators, providing capital for proof-of-concept development, market entry and initial scaling.

Beyond funding, recognised startups have increasingly engaged with government platforms and innovation pipelines. They have filed over 16,400 patent applications, pointing to a rise in formal intellectual property creation. More than 34,800 startups have also been onboarded on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), enabling access to public procurement opportunities. Under the Startup India framework, eligible startups can also avail incentives such as income tax relief, alongside regulatory easing, mentorship and networking support.

The surge in recognised startups aligns with the government’s broader push towards building an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat economy.

“As we prepare to enter a new year, this spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship will continue to drive growth, opportunities and prosperity for all,” Goyal said.