The government has recognised more than 55 thousand startups during Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, marking the highest number of startups recognised in a single year since the launch of the Startup India initiative. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that as on 31st March, the number of recognised startups under the Startup India initiative has crossed a mark of 2 lakh 23 thousand, generating more than 23 lakh 36 thousand direct jobs.

The number of startups recognised also increased by 51.6 per cent year-on-year in FY 2025-26 compared to FY 2024-25. Direct job creation also rose by 36.1 per cent during the same period. The Startup India initiative was launched on January 16, 2016, with an Action Plan comprising schemes and incentives aimed at creating a robust ecosystem for nurturing innovation, encouraging private investments, and supporting startups across the country.