Startup Day is widely observed as a day devoted to encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and cooperation among startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.
Beginning of National Startup Day in India
India celebrates National Startup Day annually on January 16. In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally announced it as part of the nation’s initiatives to acknowledge and promote startups’ economic contributions. The announcement was made in honour of India’s 75th anniversary of independence during the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” festivities.
“Startup Day” is observed differently in various nations, organizations, and geographical areas based on their respective entrepreneurial ecosystems, it is not a universally recognized date. Local Startup Days connected to regional initiatives in certain US states or cities and national Startup Days, like Estonia’s annual January entrepreneur event, are some examples of frequent variations.
India has become home to over 100 unicorns—startups valued at more than $1 billion—over the past few years, making it one of the most significant startup ecosystems in the world. This growth is celebrated on National Startup Day, which promotes continuous innovation and job creation. One of the events this year is Udyamotsav 2025, which empowers student entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors in 14 cities, including key hubs such as Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, and Chennai.
Startups present their ideas and products to investors and industry leaders via panels, workshops, and pitch contests, which provide networking opportunities and knowledge about growth and development. Well-known businesspeople and thought leaders use speeches and fireside chats to encourage and inspire new businesses.
Startups and IPO
Ahead of their IPO, fintech companies Pine Labs, quick commerce unicorn Zepto, fintech unicorn Razorpay, and e-commerce behemoth Flipkart are all thinking about redomiciling in 2025 during the IPO boom. In addition, Mensa Brands, Udaan, Eruditus, CleverTap, and Freo are on the list of hopefuls; however, many of them are considering their options because of the significant tax ramifications and additional compliance requirements.
It is to its credit that the Indian government lowered some restrictions, enabling businesses to speed up reverse flipping procedures. Still, there is more that can be done to facilitate the trip. In terms of emphasizing funds, grants, policies, and exemptions unique to startups, DPIIT’s Startup India platform has revolutionized the field. This was precisely what Startup India’s first ten years needed.
However, things have changed. Now that they are approaching maturity, startups need more help in softer but more important areas like governance and diligence, financial responsibility, social responsibility, and other areas that publicly traded companies need to focus on.
Given that startups have only lately attained this maturity stage, it makes sense that Startup India has not been particularly concerned about this.
However, to meet industry expectations, DPIIT’s enablement going forward needs to be heavily focused on accelerating startup maturity.
Driving Innovation and Diversity in Startups
Startup Scene in India-
• Provides government support in the form of tax breaks and expedited registration processes;
• Highlights cutting-edge technological solutions, such as AI, biotechnology, and agriculture developments.
The increase in female entrepreneurs—roughly 48% of startups have at least one female director—is another noteworthy effect.
India’s National Startup Day celebrates innovation, ecosystem growth, youth entrepreneurship, and stakeholder collaboration through workshops, seminars, panel discussions, funding opportunities, networking events, and the recognition of exceptional startups.
