PRELIMS BITS
National Startup Day, observed annually on January 16, recognizes the pivotal role of startups in India’s economy. With over 99,000 registered startups valued at $500 billion, India is the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
History of National Startup Day:
Established in 2016 during the Startup India Innovation Week, National Startup Day was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honor startups’ economic contributions and encourage a supportive environment for entrepreneurs through government schemes.
Significance:
The day emphasizes the role of startups in driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation, while highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem.
Key Events for National Startup Day 2025:
- Startup Baithak & Startup Baatcheet: Organized by the Startup Policy Forum, these events focus on important policy discussions, including data privacy, AI governance, and fintech regulations.
- Udyamotsav 2025: A major event empowering student entrepreneur, scheduled for January 16, 2025. It will connect young entrepreneurs with investors in 14 cities across India, offering mentorship and funding opportunities.
Startup Growth:
The number of DPIIT-recognized startups has grown significantly, from around 500 in 2016 to 159,157 by January 2025, showcasing the thriving and dynamic Indian startup ecosystem.