Synopsis
India has recognised more than 55,200 startups in FY26, a 51.6% rise over last year, while the direct jobs created by them increased 36.1%, the “highest” in a single year since the launch of the Startup India initiative in 2016, the government said on Friday.Listen to this article in summarized format
Recognised startups are entities certified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India initiative so they can avail of tax benefits, easier compliance, and funding.
The number of such startups crossed 2.23 lakh as on March 31, 2026, generating more than 23.36 lakh direct jobs. More than 1.07 lakh — or 48% — have at least one woman director or partner.
“The government continues to support startups through flagship schemes, including the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), providing financial support at various stages of the startup lifecycle,” the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.
Under FFS, more than Rs 7,000 crore has been disbursed to over 135 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in FY26, which have invested more than Rs 26,900 crore in over 1,420 startups in that period.
The CGSS has been expanded in FY26 to enhance capital mobilisation by doubling the guarantee cover per borrower to Rs 20 crore, and reducing the annual guarantee fee for lenders in identified sectors.
"By the end of FY26, more than 410 loans amounting to over Rs 1,250 crore had been guaranteed," the ministry said.
Under SISFS, 219 incubators have been selected and the entire corpus of Rs 945 crore committed. These incubators have approved funding of over Rs 605 crore to more than 3,400 startups.
Startup-led innovation has also strengthened intellectual property creation, with more than 19,400 patent applications filed by startups, according to the ministry. Patent filings increased to more than 4,480 in FY26 from 2,850 in FY25.
( Originally published on Apr 17, 2026 )
