Startup India has become a revolution in 10 years: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Startup India programme is not just a scheme but a ‘Rainbow Vision’ that connects diverse sectors with new opportunities.
Addressing an event marking a decade of Startup India on National Startup Day in New Delhi, Modi said that the Startup India Mission has become a revolution in just ten years, fostering a new culture across the country. He noted that India is the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Observing that India’s youth are focused on solving real problems, the Prime Minister commended young innovators for their courage to dream anew.
The Prime Minister underlined that today marks the milestone of ten years of Startup India and that this journey is not merely the success story of a government scheme but the journey of millions of dreams and the realisation of countless imaginations. He pointed out that a decade ago, there were fewer than 500 startups in the country, while today the number has risen to more than two lakh. He noted that in 2014, India was home to just four unicorns, but now there are nearly 125 active unicorns. He said the world is watching this success story with amazement.
Modi emphasised that courage is the first condition for enterprise, acknowledging the immense courage and risks the youth have taken to reach this stage. He noted that earlier risk-taking was discouraged in the country, but today it has become mainstream, and those who think beyond monthly salaries are not only accepted but also respected.
The Prime Minister also lauded the role of women in the startup ecosystem, noting that over 45 percent of recognised startups in India have at least one female director or partner. He added that, in terms of women-led startup funding, India boasts the second-largest ecosystem in the world, and this growing inclusivity within the startup sector is enhancing the country’s potential.