New Delhi, Jan 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in a program in New Delhi on January 16, 2026, celebrating a decade of the ‘Startup India’ initiative, launched on January 16, 2016.
This initiative aims to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance investment to transform India into a nation of job creators. During the event, PM Modi will engage with members of India’s startup ecosystem, where select representatives will share their entrepreneurial experiences, and he will deliver a speech.
Over the past ten years, India has seen the recognition of more than 200,000 startups, which have become key drivers of job creation and economic growth, while also enhancing domestic value chains across various industries.
‘Startup India’ has played a crucial role in strengthening institutional frameworks, improving access to capital, and creating a favorable environment for startups. Additionally, PM Modi recently encouraged startups to utilize artificial intelligence for societal benefits, advocating for affordable and inclusive AI solutions.
According to the government, the startup ecosystem has sustained growth, with over 201,335 startups eligible for incentives, generating approximately 2.1 million jobs. Domestic patent filings surged by 425% from 2014 to 2024, and India’s Global Innovation Index ranking improved to 38th for 2025.
