Minister Chaudhary, fresh from his participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF 2025) in Davos, shared his insights into India’s rising global recognition for its skilled workforce. “India’s talent pool is gaining immense global recognition, and our emergence as a global skill capital is a testament to our commitment to excellence,” Chaudhary remarked, underscoring the importance of skilling initiatives in empowering youth and boosting entrepreneurship. He also acknowledged the increasing importance of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and women-led development, which were central topics at the WEF discussions.

Chaudhary highlighted India’s position as the world’s largest start-up ecosystem, with 118 unicorns valued at USD 354 billion, driven by visionary policies and the resilience of entrepreneurs. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, comprising 63 million enterprises and contributing 30 percent to the GDP, was also a focus of the minister’s address, emphasizing its role in the nation’s economic success.

One of the event’s standout moments was the recognition of Ritendra Prasad, an entrepreneur from Jharkhand. Prasad, who transitioned from an engineering background to founding his own solar energy business, was celebrated for his journey of perseverance and innovation. The event also saw the acknowledgment of 16 trailblazing entrepreneurs from India’s Northeast, including nine women, who overcame significant challenges to achieve success in their respective fields.

Namita M. Marak from Assam and Mandira Baglary from Udalguri district were among the women entrepreneurs celebrated for their resilience and contributions to their communities. Their stories highlighted the transformative power of skill development and entrepreneurship, particularly in rural and underserved areas, as they continue to inspire others to pursue similar paths of self-reliance and empowerment.

The Minister also emphasized the enduring relevance of the Indian Constitution, which serves as the foundation for India’s democracy, ensuring equality, justice, and opportunity for all citizens. This celebration of India’s skilled workforce and entrepreneurs was a proud moment for the nation, showcasing the success of government initiatives and the promising future ahead—driven by inclusive growth, innovation, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

The event was attended by top officials from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), including Joint Secretary Hena Usman, and was followed by a visit to the Prime Minister’s Museum, providing the entrepreneurs with an enriching experience to reflect on the nation’s democratic and developmental journey.

The post Celebrating India’s Skilled Workforce: Minister Jayant Chaudhary Honors 100 Entrepreneurs for Their Role in Nation-Building appeared first on FolksTimes.

Empowering Startups with Funding and Support

The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), administered by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and backed by the Government of India, has played a vital role in mobilizing private capital, particularly in Tier II and Tier III cities. This focus on regional growth has allowed startups to scale their operations and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

In his address, Piyush Goyal highlighted how these funding mechanisms have fueled startup growth, empowering them to innovate and expand. He underscored the importance of private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) in providing startups with the financial backing and global expertise necessary for success. According to Goyal, this collaboration not only accelerates innovation but also enables startups to compete on the international stage.

One of the standout initiatives of the government in this regard is the BHASKAR platform, designed to connect startups with mentorship, financial tools, and collaborative opportunities across the country. This ecosystem of support has helped Indian startups build resilience, overcome challenges, and stay competitive.

Startups as Agents of Change

Indian startups have emerged as powerful agents of change, addressing some of the nation’s most pressing issues, including sustainability, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital transformation. “Through their innovation and resilience, they are shaping a better future for all of us,” said Goyal, emphasizing the transformative impact of these young companies.

India’s startup ecosystem has shown tremendous growth, with a remarkable 76 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in 2024 alone. As of January 15, 2025, the country boasts 1,59,157 startups—a massive leap from around 500 in 2016. This growth has resulted in the creation of 17.2 lakh direct jobs, demonstrating the profound economic contribution of startups.

India’s Startup Ecosystem: A Global Leader

India now ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, a testament to the success of initiatives like Startup India. With a growing number of startups, funding of Rs 13 trillion from the government, and increasing participation from private investors, India is becoming a global leader in innovation and technology-driven growth.

Piyush Goyal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where startups can thrive. From technological sectors such as digitech and artificial intelligence to policy-driven initiatives, the government has positioned India as a leader in the global startup arena. “We are committed to providing support in terms of policies, infrastructure, and capital to ensure the continued growth of India’s startup ecosystem,” he said.

The Role of Women in India’s Startup Revolution

An important aspect of India’s startup journey has been the increasing participation of women in entrepreneurship. Goyal pointed out that 43% of STEM graduates in India are women, underlining their critical role in driving innovation and growth. He highlighted initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, which empowers women-led startups, furthering India’s vision of inclusive growth.

Looking Ahead: A New Phase of Innovation

As India enters a crucial phase of development with strong macroeconomic fundamentals, Goyal emphasized the essential role startups will play in achieving the nation’s long-term goals. These companies will be at the forefront of realizing a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally competitive India in the coming decades.

The Startup Mahakumbh and the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge

The anniversary event also served as a curtain raiser for the second edition of the Startup Mahakumbh, scheduled for April 2025. This grand event will feature over 2,500 startups, further solidifying India’s role as a global hub for entrepreneurship. Additionally, the government launched the PRABHAAV Factbook, offering a comprehensive overview of India’s startup ecosystem and its evolution from 2016 to 2024.

Moreover, the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge was unveiled, aiming to address 75 challenges across diverse sectors such as renewable energy, blockchain, agritech, and smart manufacturing. This challenge will provide startups with opportunities for procurement, cash prizes, mentorship, funding, and networking, enabling them to further scale their impact and contribute to India’s growth story.

Conclusion

The ninth anniversary of the Startup India mission marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. Through a combination of robust funding, supportive policies, and a collaborative ecosystem, the country’s startup sector has flourished. As the government continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth, India is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory in the years to come, driven by the ingenuity and resilience of its startups.

The post Celebrating Nine Years of Growth and Innovation: The Impact of Startup India Mission appeared first on FolksTimes.

During his address at the event, Minister Goyal acknowledged the transformative role played by funding instruments such as the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) administered by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and supported by the Government of India. These financial structures have been pivotal in supporting India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“We must attribute the success of the Startup India mission to the instrumental funding avenues such as FFS, which have been critical in fueling the growth of startups in India,” said Goyal, highlighting the immense progress the country has made in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

The event celebrated the resilience of India’s entrepreneurs, emphasizing how their efforts have not only reshaped India’s innovation landscape but also elevated the country’s global standing. “Today, India is home to 1,59,157 startups, and we have witnessed an increase from around 500 startups in 2016,” Goyal said. “In 2024 alone, India saw 76 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), and our startup ecosystem has generated over 17 lakh direct jobs,” he added.

Further acknowledging the collaborative spirit between private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms, Goyal emphasized their crucial role in accelerating the journey of startups. Through this partnership, Indian startups have gained access to funding, global networks, and expertise, which have helped them scale and compete on the international stage.

Empowering Startups: A Vision for the Future

The Minister also underlined the significant economic and social impact of startups, stating that they are much more than just businesses. They are catalysts for change, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in areas such as sustainability, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital transformation.

“As India moves into the Amrit Kaal, the next 25 years will be a defining period. Startups will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally competitive India,” Goyal affirmed. “The government remains committed to providing necessary support, from policy initiatives and infrastructure to capital access, ensuring the success of our startups.”

A key highlight of Goyal’s speech was his recognition of women’s contributions to India’s growing startup ecosystem. He shared that 43% of STEM graduates in India are women, a testament to the role women are playing in driving India’s growth. He also emphasized the government’s efforts to support women-led startups through platforms such as the Women Entrepreneurship Platform.

Launch of PRABHAAV Factbook and Bharat Startup Challenge

At the event, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched the PRABHAAV Factbook. This comprehensive guide to India’s thriving startup ecosystem, titled Powering a Resilient and Agile Bharat for the Advancement of Visionary Startups, highlights the progress and achievements of India’s startup sector between 2016 and 2024. It sheds light on the regional contributions and showcases the growth trajectory of India’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The Bharat Startup Challenge was also unveiled, aiming to foster innovation by inviting solutions to 75 sectoral challenges. These challenges will span across diverse fields, including renewable energy, blockchain, agritech, semiconductors, and social commerce. With support from 20 industry leaders and innovators, the challenge will offer startups procurement opportunities, cash prizes, mentorship, funding, networking, and capacity-building avenues.

Key Figures and Future Prospects

Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada, and several key dignitaries including Amardeep Bhatia (Secretary, DPIIT), Arti Bhatnagar (Additional Secretary, DPIIT), and industry leaders such as Prashant Prakash (Founding Partner, Accel), Sanjeev Bikhchandani (Founder, Info Edge India), and others graced the occasion.

Looking ahead, the Minister shared that India’s growing startup ecosystem would continue to thrive through initiatives like the Bharat Startup Challenge, which will provide new avenues for innovation and business growth. Goyal also noted the significant role of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh, where startups from across the nation will converge to share ideas, collaborate, and showcase their innovations.

Conclusion

As India celebrates the achievements of its startup ecosystem on the 9th Foundation Day of Startup India, Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. With increased access to funding, mentorship, and global networks, Indian startups are well-positioned to compete on the world stage and drive the nation toward a prosperous and self-reliant future.

The post Piyush Goyal Unveils PRABHAAV Factbook and Bharat Startup Challenge to Celebrate 9 Years of Startup India appeared first on FolksTimes.

This event aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders and steer the future growth of India’s innovation landscape, as highlighted in the official release. The goal is to offer a platform for dialogue that will help shape the trajectory of India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.

Startup Baithak is designed as a series of 12 exclusive, closed-door roundtable sessions that will be held over the two-day period. These discussions will bring together leading startups such as Swiggy, Zerodha, Razorpay, CRED, Pine Labs, Groww, OYO, Practo, Dream11, MPL, CarDekho, Acko, Ixigo, MobiKwik, One Card, ProgCap, Digantara, BharatPe, Physics Wallah, and Jupiter, among others. The primary objective of these sessions is to bridge the gap between India’s next-generation innovators and policymakers, fostering a mutual understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the startup ecosystem.

The event will be hosted in the prestigious G20 Summit Room at Bharat Mandapam, where participants will engage in discussions to address emerging challenges, explore innovative solutions, and align strategies to accelerate the growth of India’s startup sector.

Sanjiv, Joint Secretary of Startup India-DPIIT, expressed his thoughts on the occasion, saying, “India’s startup ecosystem is a driving force of innovation and economic growth, and National Startup Day serves as a recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit that shapes our nation’s future. With initiatives like ‘Startup Baithak’ and ‘Startup Baatcheet,’ we aim to create meaningful dialogues between startups, policymakers, and investors, enabling the development of solutions for today’s challenges. We are committed to empowering startups to scale globally and contribute to India’s position as a global innovation hub.”

Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of SPF, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is not only thriving—it’s leading the way in redefining global innovation. Through ‘Startup Baithak’ and ‘Startup Baatcheet,’ we’re not just marking National Startup Day; we are shaping the future dialogue and vision for India’s startup sector in 2025 and beyond. As we celebrate this special day, our aim is to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of changemakers to make a lasting impact, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s startup ecosystem.”

In addition to the roundtable sessions, SPF will also host Startup Baatcheet on January 15, 2025—an informal networking evening. This gathering will bring together founders, investors, ecosystem enablers, policymakers, and lawmakers to discuss the startup outlook for 2025. It will serve as a platform to strengthen ties within the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create a conducive environment for collaboration and growth.

The National Startup Day 2025 celebrations are set to be a landmark occasion, marking a significant step in furthering India’s global standing as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The post “Startup Policy Forum Launches Key Initiatives to Celebrate National Startup Day 2025” appeared first on FolksTimes.

The slogan for this year’s event resonates perfectly with the startup ecosystem: “Having an angel to watch over you is cool! But do you know what’s really cool? An angel with money!” TTMM has established itself as a unique and essential platform for entrepreneurs seeking to take their ventures to the next level. Last year, the event saw an impressive success rate, with five out of seven participating startups securing funding of INR 2.4 million each. This year, TTMM promises to be even bigger, offering startups the chance to win up to INR 3.5 million in on-the-spot funding.

The event is unlike any other with its innovative format. Startups are given just 10 minutes to pitch their ideas to 14 investors, all in front of an audience of over 3,500 people. The pressure is high, but so are the rewards for those who succeed.

Participation in TTMM is open to everyone, with no fees or prerequisites, making it an accessible and exciting opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs across the country. Registrations for the event are open until January 8, 2025, and can be done through the link provided on the official website: https://www.ecell.in/esummit/ttmm/.

Over the past decade, TTMM has proven to be a significant platform for startups. One in two startups that pitched at the event received investments, and some even saw national exposure with broadcasts on JioTV and OTT Play. TTMM has been graced by a prestigious lineup of investors, including renowned figures like Ajeet Khurana, former CEO of Zebpay; Sanjay Mehta, Founder of 100X.VC; Siddharth Ladsariya, Founder of Everest Fleet; Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder of CoinDCX; and many others.

TTMM will be the flagship event at E-Summit 2025 – Pursuit of Eminence, Asia’s largest business conclave, which will take place on February 1st and 2nd, 2025, at IIT Bombay. E-Summit is a landmark gathering that attracts over 60,000 attendees, 1,000+ startups, 150+ global speakers, and 120+ events featuring entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and academicians.

Organized by the Entrepreneurship Cell, IIT Bombay, E-Summit 2025 is poised to inspire the next generation of business leaders, drawing from a network of over 20,000 startups, 3,000+ colleges, 250,000+ students, and 100,000+ professionals across 1,500+ cities.

The 20th edition of E-Summit marks a year-long effort and promises to be an unforgettable experience for innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this prestigious event and get the chance to secure funding for your startup at TTMM!

The post IIT Bombay E-Cell’s The Ten Minute Million (TTMM) – A Major Event for Aspiring Entrepreneurs appeared first on FolksTimes.

Through this alliance, Stride Ventures will target startups with significant growth potential, providing them with essential funding, access to markets, and policy support. The initiative is designed to support Indian startups looking to expand globally and assist global startups looking to enter the Indian market. Additionally, the program will offer startups from tier-2 and tier-3 cities specialized mentorship, guidance, and access to a global network of mentors to help them scale their businesses.

The collaboration also seeks to raise awareness of various fundraising options, including venture debt, enabling startups to achieve their growth ambitions. By integrating financial support with strategic mentorship and market access, this partnership is set to create abundant opportunities for startups across the nation.

Highlighting the macroeconomic impact of the collaboration, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary of Startup India, emphasized that these efforts would further India’s economic agenda to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to the country’s broader economic growth. The partnership is also in alignment with the Government of India’s Make in India and Make for the World strategies, focusing on sectors like manufacturing, consumer goods, B2B, and cleantech.

As part of this initiative, Stride Ventures will launch dedicated programs and engage in activities like the Bharat Grand Challenge, aiming to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment across India.

Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director of Startup India, shared his vision for the partnership, stating that by equipping startups with the necessary tools to scale globally, this collaboration will not only drive economic transformation but also position India as a leader in both innovation and manufacturing. He reiterated DPIIT’s commitment to bridging the gap between entrepreneurs’ aspirations and their execution, especially for startups located in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder & Managing Partner of Stride Ventures, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in fueling the company’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and promote impactful, globally resonant solutions under the ‘Make in India’ banner. He also reaffirmed Stride Ventures’ commitment to nurturing India’s startup ecosystem with its billion-dollar investment pledge.

This partnership marks an important step towards further solidifying India’s position as a global leader in innovation, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.

The post DPIIT Joins Forces with Stride Ventures to Strengthen India’s Startup Ecosystem and Drive Global Expansion appeared first on FolksTimes.

Organized by Startup Network Nepal, in collaboration with the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the PHDCCI (India-Nepal Center), the event has attracted experts from various fields. It featured a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, startup pitching sessions, and networking opportunities designed to empower entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and connections needed to scale their ventures.

Kamlesh Jain, Co-Chair of India-Nepal Center at PHDCCI, spoke about the significant role startups play in addressing challenges faced by Nepal, such as unemployment, dependence on foreign aid, and a trade deficit. He emphasized that startups could create jobs, generate revenue, and diversify Nepal’s economy. “For individuals, it pursues innovative ideas and launches businesses, which contribute to GDP growth and help reduce our reliance on traditional industries and agriculture,” Jain remarked.

The summit’s primary goal is to bridge the gap between local startups and international investors, helping attract significant investment into Nepal’s growing startup scene. Startup Network Nepal has been instrumental in connecting emerging entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and other valuable resources. This support is vital for Nepal’s entrepreneurs as they seek to build the next generation of businesses and innovations.

Suman Shekhar, First Secretary – Commerce at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, also highlighted Nepal’s young population as a key driver for its economic transformation. “Nepal is a country of about 30 million people, with a median age of less than 25, even younger than India. Nepal’s dream to transform economically will be anchored in its youth and entrepreneurship. Kathmandu could become the startup capital of the Himalayas,” he said, pointing to the rising prominence of Nepal’s startup culture.

The Startup Network, through its comprehensive incubation program, is already making strides in Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The bi-monthly initiative supports startups from their earliest ideas to building a compelling pitch deck. Entrepreneurs benefit from personalized mentorship provided by successful startup founders and experienced mentors, guiding them through the critical stages of idea validation, business model development, and market strategies.

Additionally, the Startup Network is in the process of launching a venture fund to further support the growth of promising startups. This fund will provide crucial financial backing to help startups scale and thrive in competitive markets.

Manjeev Singh Puri, Chairman of India-Nepal Center, PHDCCI, and former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, spoke during the inaugural session, stressing the complementary relationship between India and Nepal’s startup ecosystems. He encouraged attendees to leverage networks and partnerships to expand their global reach. “As you grow these startup ecosystems in Nepal, remember that India has become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, and there is great potential for collaboration,” Puri stated.

The India-Nepal Startup Summit 2024 served as an important launchpad for Nepal’s entrepreneurial ambitions. By showcasing the country’s vibrant startup spirit to a global audience, the summit positioned Nepal as a key player in the international startup ecosystem.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders attending the event are excited to explore the future of innovation in Nepal, forge meaningful connections, and drive the next wave of entrepreneurial success both within Nepal and beyond its borders.

The post India-Nepal Startup Summit 2024 Kicks Off in Kathmandu appeared first on FolksTimes.