India Sees 51.6% Surge in Recognized Startups in FY26
Govt recognised over 55,200 startups in FY26
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
In the fiscal year 2026, India recognized over 55,200 startups, marking a 51.6% increase from the previous year. This growth resulted in the creation of 23.36 lakh direct jobs, with significant contributions from women-led ventures, highlighting the government's ongoing support for startup innovation.
- 01India recognized over 55,200 startups in FY26, a 51.6% increase from FY25.
- 02Direct jobs created by startups rose by 36.1%, the highest since 2016.
- 03The total number of recognized startups reached over 2.23 lakh.
- 04Government initiatives like the Fund of Funds for Startups disbursed over ₹7,000 crore.
- 05Startups filed more than 19,400 patent applications, indicating increased innovation.
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In fiscal year 2026, India recognized over 55,200 startups, representing a 51.6% increase compared to the previous year. This surge contributed to a 36.1% rise in direct jobs created, totaling more than 23.36 lakh jobs since the Startup India initiative began in 2016. As of March 31, 2026, the total number of recognized startups reached over 2.23 lakh, with 48% having at least one woman director or partner. The government's support through various schemes, including the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), has been pivotal. In FY26, more than ₹7,000 crore was disbursed to over 135 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which subsequently invested over ₹26,900 crore in more than 1,420 startups. Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) was expanded, doubling the guarantee cover per borrower to ₹20 crore. Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), 219 incubators were selected, committing a total of ₹945 crore to support startups. Intellectual property creation has also seen a boost, with startups filing over 19,400 patent applications, an increase from 2,850 in FY25.
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The growth in recognized startups is likely to create more job opportunities, particularly benefiting young entrepreneurs and women in the workforce.
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