With over 1,40,803 startups thriving across India as of June 2024, the country’s entrepreneurial landscape has emerged as a vibrant powerhouse of innovation and technological disruption. On the occasion of National Startup Day 2025, leaders and innovators reflect on the incredible journey of the Indian startup ecosystem and its profound impact on industries, communities, and the economy.
Srinivas Shekar, CEO and Co-Founder of Pantherun Technologies, emphasizes the duality of the startup boom on National Startup Day 2025: “With over 1,40,803 startups flourishing across India as of June 2024, the entrepreneurial landscape has never been more vibrant. From groundbreaking innovations to new-age tech disruptions, India is emerging as a global startup powerhouse. Yet, this rapid expansion comes with its own set of challenges—none more pressing than the rising tide of cyber threats, which have the potential to undermine the very foundation of innovation and trust. In 2024 alone, 12 tech startups went public, raising over INR 29,070.57 Cr through IPOs, showcasing the immense potential of our ecosystem while underscoring the need for robust safeguards, for the data they use, as well as personal data that such large, rapidly growing enterprises have access to. We believe that also safeguarding ideas is as critical as nurturing them. As a cybersecurity innovator, we are committed to empowering startups with cutting-edge solutions that protect their digital assets and enable them to focus on what they do best—transforming industries and creating impact. Today, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and determination that define the Indian startup ecosystem. These qualities have not only driven Pantherun’s journey but have also inspired us to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to a culture of innovation. Startups are the lifeblood of progress, and by fostering collaboration and delivering scalable, future-ready solutions, we aim to create an environment where bold ideas can thrive and shape a better tomorrow.”
While technology propels startups into the future, education remains the foundation of progress. Rohan Rai, Co-Founder of Edupull, highlights the critical gaps in access to quality education in smaller towns and rural areas: “India is home to one of the largest higher education ecosystems in the world, with over 58,000 institutions and millions of students seeking opportunities to learn and grow—many even looking abroad for better prospects. But beneath these impressive numbers lies a more complex reality. Students in smaller cities and towns often find themselves navigating their educational journey with limited resources and guidance. They’re bright and ambitious, but the traditional classroom experience doesn’t always give them the practical skills today’s world demands. It’s like having a map without the key landmarks marked – they know where they want to go, but aren’t always sure of the best route to get there. This disconnect hits harder in rural and underserved areas, where a student might have the talent and drive to become the next great engineer or entrepreneur, but lacks the mentorship and tools to transform that potential into reality. As an education startup, stepping into this dynamic and competitive landscape has been a tough yet fulfilling journey. Balancing innovation with sustainability while staying true to our mission pushes us to adapt quickly, embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI, and create solutions that resonate with students’ needs. From simplifying access to personalized learning resources to demystifying the path to global education, we aim to empower every learner, not just with degrees but with skills that truly matter. The road is not easy. Building trust in a crowded market, navigating the rapid pace of technological advancements, and ensuring our solutions remain both impactful and inclusive have tested our resilience time and again. But what keeps us going is the unwavering belief that education can be a catalyst for change—not just for individuals but for communities and the nation at large. Today, we reflect on this journey of growth, learning, and impact. We celebrate not just how far we’ve come but also the collective effort of every startup daring to reimagine education and create a future where learning knows no boundaries.”
In healthcare, innovation is transforming patient care and access. Amol Deshmukh, CEO of MedRabbits Healthcare, celebrates the sector’s growth: “On National Startup Day 2025, we celebrate how India’s startups are reshaping industries and driving meaningful change. Beyond making the country self-sufficient, the startup ecosystem has created countless opportunities, providing jobs for the youth and fueling economic growth. The healthcare sector stands out, with startups bridging gaps in accessibility and redefining quality care for millions. India’s home healthcare market is projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 17.36% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by an expanding aging population, rising cases of chronic diseases, and a growing emphasis on patient-centric care. For an aging population and a growing nation, this shift isn’t just timely—it’s necessary. At MedRabbits, our journey reflects the transformative power of innovation in healthcare delivery. By integrating advanced technology with compassionate care, we’ve created a scalable model that not only meets current healthcare demands but also anticipates future needs. We see tremendous potential in leveraging India’s technological prowess to create healthcare solutions that are not just accessible and affordable, but also uniquely tailored to our country’s diverse requirements. We’re proud to be part of India’s startup revolution, working towards a future where quality healthcare is within everyone’s reach.”
On the manufacturing and supply chain front, Ennoventure Inc. is combating counterfeiting with cutting-edge technology. Padmakumar Nair, Founder and CEO, Ennoventure Inc. states: “Innovating for India’s Growth is not just a theme—it is a reality driven by the vibrant startup ecosystem that fuels our economy and transforms industries. With over 1,12,718 DPIIT-recognized startups spread across 763 districts, India has firmly established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, showcasing the immense potential of innovation and entrepreneurship. National Startup Day 2025 is a moment to reflect on how startups are not just creating economic value but also addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by society. From driving technological advancements to generating employment and promoting a culture of innovation, startups are at the forefront of India’s growth narrative. At Ennoventure, we are proud to contribute to this journey by leveraging our covert brand protection technology to combat counterfeiting and ensure product integrity. Our solutions not only protect brands but also build trust and transparency in the global supply chain—key elements of a sustainable and inclusive future. This year, we renew our commitment to aligning our innovation with India’s growth priorities. By collaborating with stakeholders across industries, we aim to position India as a global leader in skills and technology, contributing to a future that celebrates progress, integrity, and innovation.”
Venture capital plays a pivotal role in fueling this growth. Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, highlights how startups are reshaping employment trends by creating entirely new business categories. “Over the past nine years of the launch of the Startup India initiative by our Hon’ble Pm Shri Narendra Modi in 2016, startups have become key drivers of job creation and innovation, generating over 15.5 lakh jobs and reshaping employment trends in emerging sectors like quick commerce. Unlike traditional firms that primarily create replacement roles, startups pioneer entirely new business categories, redefining markets and fostering competition. This success is reflected in the rising number of IPOs and venture-backed companies that are redefining India’s economic landscape. Furthermore, the pivotal role of venture capital is clear, with the top five U.S. companies being venture-backed, emphasizing its importance in this ecosystem. Beyond funding, venture capital provides strategic guidance that empowers entrepreneurs to succeed. In India, the synergy among founders, policymakers, and investors underscores the vast potential of startups to drive scalable innovation. With continued focus and support, startups will remain central to India’s economic growth and global stature,” she said sharing her views on the occasion of National Startup Day 2025.
Emerging technologies like SaaS, AI, and Web3 are at the heart of India’s digital transformation. Anand Jain, Co-Founder of CleverTap, advocates for policies supporting these sectors: “With the upcoming budget, it’s crucial to prioritize emerging sectors like SaaS, Web3, and AI. Together, they are transforming industries and positioning India as a global technology leader. Clear regulatory frameworks for digital assets, smart contracts, and SaaS platforms will help foster innovation, attract investment, and enhance competition in these high-growth areas. As a SaaS company, we see immense potential in policies that drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AI. Initiatives such as the Centers of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, the INDIAai mission and the ‘Make AI in India’ programs are commendable. Expanding incentives for AI-driven solutions across governance, education, and healthcare could further accelerate India’s digital transformation and solidify its leadership in the global AI landscape.At the same time, the reduction in LTCG tax rates for unlisted shares to 12.5% last year was a positive step. Simplifying compliance, stimulating innovation, and ensuring access to funding are essential fo rempowering startups and MSMEs to create transformative solutions for the world. Additionally, extending the ESOP tax deferment policy to all DPIIT-recognized startups would also help attract and retain top talent, addressing a critical challenge in today’s ecosystem. From a broader perspective, revisiting income tax slabs should also be a priority. With rising living expenses significantly reducing disposable income, consumption has slowed, impacting economic momentum. Providing relief through taxation adjustments would help ease financial pressures, encourage spending, and drive growth across sectors. A more progressive framework could further boost demand, benefiting businesses, including startups and MSMEs.”
In creative industries, startups like Ostilos are blending sustainability with traditional craftsmanship. Simran Lalwani, Creative Director, Ostilos highlights the role of entrepreneurs in showcasing India’s heritage while reducing reliance on imports on National Startup Day 2025: “Startups are at the heart of India’s journey toward becoming self-reliant and a global leader. With initiatives like Startup India and Make in India, we are not just building businesses; we are building a stronger nation. As entrepreneurs, we have the unique opportunity to create jobs, drive innovation, and empower talented individuals to shape a brighter future. The Make in India initiative focuses on boosting local manufacturing and innovation, encouraging startups to produce goods domestically and export them worldwide. This is especially relevant for industries like textiles, fashion, electronics, and agriculture, as it reduces reliance on imports and showcases India’s heritage on a global scale. Startups are also leading the way in solving critical problems in areas like healthcare, education, and sustainability. In the fashion industry, for example, startups are not only preserving traditional craftsmanship but also embracing sustainable practices. This helps create global opportunities for artisans and designers, benefiting both rural and urban economies. Ultimately, startups are more than just businesses; they are the driving force behind India’s future of innovation, self-reliance, and growth.”