India stands as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 2.62 lakh startups recognised by DPIIT

9 November 2026

On National Entrepreneurship Day the Government said India is now the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. More than 2.62 lakh startups have been recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Over 55,200 startups were recognised in 2025-26, the highest in a single year since 2016. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said recognised startups have created more than 23 lakh jobs. More than one lakh recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner. The day also marks the founding of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2014. Support comes through Startup India, the Atal Innovation Mission, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, the MeitY Startup Hub, TIDE 2.0, NIDHI, the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme and the Swavalambini scheme.