Additionally, it acts as a reminder of the government of India’s dedication to encouraging and observing the startup community’s noteworthy contributions to the progress of the country.

In a remarkable mention, the total number of DPIIT-recognised companies has increased from around 500 in 2016 to 1,59,157 as of January 15, 2025. (Source: PIB)

With India emerging as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, here’s all you need to know about the day.

India celebrates nine years of Startup India, a flagship project started by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the inaugural Startup India Innovation Week, on January 15, 2016, PM Modi announced the commemoration of Startup Day on January 16, to recognise the economic contributions made by entrepreneurs in India during the first Startup India Innovation Week.

As a result, since 2022, National Startup Day has been commemorated every year on January 16 and this year, it is being observed on falling on a Thursday.

National Startup Day aims to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurial ventures while celebrating startups’ crucial role in stimulating economic development and job creation.

This year, to commemorate the day, Udyamotsav 2025 is scheduled for January 16, 2025, as part of the National Startup Week celebrations.

It is a platform designed to empower student entrepreneurs by facilitating their engagement with the investor community, organised by the Ministry of Education.

It will enable student entrepreneurs to pitch their startups, seek funding, and receive mentorship on business models and scaling strategies, taking place across 14 Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Srinagar, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, and Guwahati.