The Startup Conclave 2025 was inaugurated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, promoting the theme of “Innovate, Elevate, Accelerate.” It aims to connect emerging startups with investors, bringing to life PM Modi’s “mind to market” vision. Since 2016, India has grown from about 500 startups and 4 unicorns to 1.92 lakh startups and over 120 unicorns valued at US$350+ billion. Women have founded 48% of startups, and 900 in the Northeast are also women-led. The startup ecosystem has provided 17.9 lakh sustainable jobs to date. The event also launched the Indian Knowledge System vertical under NEP for research in traditional disciplines like Ayurveda, classical arts, philosophy, science and environment.
This Conclave underscores India’s evolving startup ecosystem not just in size but in inclusivity, with strong representation of women founders and emerging regions like the Northeast. It illustrates how government policy—through simplified regulations, funding (Seed Fund, Fund of Funds), and platforms for investor-startup connection—can transform job-creation and innovation potential. For policy audiences, it highlights both the growth achieved and the remaining challenge of sustaining momentum, bridging regional disparities, and ensuring access to capital for smaller startups.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India sustain investor interest and strengthen start-ups from under-represented regions and sectors while ensuring regulatory and financial ecosystems continue to evolve in favour of innovation?
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