About the Scheme
Startup India aims to build a strong ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. India is now the 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally with 1.58 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups (Jan 2026). DPIIT recognized 50+ startups as unicorns; ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and ₹945 crore Startup India Seed Fund operational.
Target Beneficiaries: 1.58 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups (Jan 2026); 53 unicorns; 48 states/UTs with startup policies
Implementing Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Key Features
- 1.58 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups as of Jan 2026 — 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally
- 53 unicorns (startups valued at $1 billion+); 23+ soonicorns (approaching unicorn status)
- Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): ₹10,000 crore; 114+ AIFs funded; ₹23,500+ crore in startups
- 3 years tax holiday in first 10 years of incorporation
- Self-certification for 9 labour and 3 environmental laws
- National Startup Awards annually for outstanding startups
- Startup India Hub: 1.3 lakh+ members; mentorship and networking
Eligibility Criteria
- Incorporated as a Private Limited Company or a Registered Partnership Firm or an LLP.
- Not older than 10 years from the date of incorporation.
- Annual turnover not exceeding INR 100 Crore for any financial year since incorporation.
- Working towards innovation, development or improvement of products or processes or services.
- Should not be a result of splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business.