Over 2 Lakh Entities Recognised As Startups 21.9 Lakh Direct Jobs Created So Far: Government

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Feb 11 (KNN) As many as 2,07,135 entities have been recognised as startups under the Startup India initiative as on December 2025. They together generated over 21.9 lakh direct jobs across the country, the government has told Lok Sabha.

In response to a question in the Lower House, Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said that Startup India, launched on January 16, 2016, aims to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and encouraging investments.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognises entities as startups on the basis of prescribed eligibility norms.

Deep-Tech and Strategic Sectors Gain Momentum

MoS Prasada said that over 14,400 recognised startups operate in sectors such as Aeronautics, Aerospace & Defence (including Defence Equipment and Space Technology), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Technology Hardware (including Semiconductors). These startups have created more than 1.25 lakh direct jobs.

To support startups across stages of growth, the Government is implementing three flagship schemes under the Startup India initiative.

Under the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), operationalised by SIDBI, SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) have invested around Rs 916.49 crore in 48 startups in AI/Robotics and Space Tech sectors as on December 31, 2025.

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), implemented from April 1, 2021, has approved around Rs 73.4 crore for 406 startups in Aerospace & Defence, AI, and Technology Hardware sectors.

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), operational since April 1, 2023, has guaranteed 14 loans amounting to around Rs 68.30 crore in the Aerospace & Defence sector.

Push for Deep-Tech, R&D and Domestic Supply Chains

The Minister further informed that multiple Ministries are working to promote deep-tech entrepreneurship and strengthen domestic research and development capabilities.

Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), four thematic hubs have been established focusing on quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials. The mission supports startups through funding, infrastructure access and mentorship.

The IndiaAI Mission, led by MeitY, is structured around seven pillars including compute capacity, foundation models, AI datasets platform (AIKosh), application development, talent development, startup financing and safe and trusted AI frameworks.

Under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme of the Semicon India Programme, fiscal support has been approved for 24 chip design projects. So far, 16 design tape-outs have been completed, seven chips fabricated on advanced nodes, 10 patents filed and over 140 reusable core IPs developed.

Initiatives by DRDO, including the Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Dare to Dream innovation contest, are also encouraging participation of startups and MSMEs in defence research and development.

Programmes such as iDEX, ADITI, IN-SPACe promotion schemes and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries are further strengthening India's deep-tech ecosystem.

The Minister said the Government continues to undertake policy, regulatory and fiscal measures to enhance ease of doing business, improve market access, support public procurement, and strengthen the overall startup ecosystem through initiatives such as States' Startup Ranking, National Startup Awards, Innovation Week and Startup Mahakumbh.

(KNN Bureau)

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