On January 16, 2026, India celebrates National Startup Day, marking the 10th anniversary of the Startup India Initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this day in 2016.
This flagship program, led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has transformed India into the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Today, the country boasts over 1.59 lakh recognized startups, more than 110 unicorns, and a thriving landscape spanning deep-tech, AI, fintech, sustainability, healthtech, edtech, agritech, and beyond. Over half of these startups now emerge from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, driving inclusive growth and regional development.
2026 Highlights:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages with entrepreneurs at a special event in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, reflecting on the decade’s achievements and outlining the vision for the next phase.
- Nationwide festivities include startup festivals, AI summits, pitch competitions, investor meets, National Startup Awards announcements, workshops, and networking events in hubs like Bengaluru.
- The focus remains on deep-tech innovation, sustainability, global scaling, resilience, and alignment with Viksit Bharat @2047 — building a developed, self-reliant India by 2047.
National Startup Day celebrates the courage of founders who turn bold ideas into impactful solutions, create millions of jobs, solve real-world problems, and position India as a global leader in entrepreneurship.
“Startup India, Stand Up India!” — the rallying call that still inspires the next generation of innovators.
On this milestone day, India salutes its entrepreneurs shaping the future. 🚀🇮🇳