Startup India turns 10: PM Narendra Modi calls for manufacturing push in next decade

On January 16, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated National Startup Day at Bharat Mandapam, marking ten years of the Startup India initiative. In his address, he highlighted the significant transformation the program has undergone, noting that startups now extend across various sectors, including digital services, payment solutions, and delivery platforms. Modi proudly declared India's rise as a global frontrunner in the digital economy, now recognized as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. "A decade ago, we had fewer than 500 startups; today, that figure has surged to over 200,000," he stated. Furthermore, he pointed out the impressive growth of unicorns in India, from just four in 2014 to nearly 125 active unicorns currently. Looking ahead, PM Modi called for a strategic shift as the country embarks on the next decade of Startup India. He urged entrepreneurs to pivot from primarily digital services to a stronger emphasis on manufacturing. "The time has come for our startups to innovate in manufacturing, produce world-class products, and lead in technology by developing unique ideas," he asserted. This renewed focus on manufacturing is seen as pivotal for achieving India's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Modi reassured the audience of the government's unwavering support, promising enhanced access to advanced technologies for startups and increased investment in critical sectors such as semiconductors, data centers, and green hydrogen. With India's maturation in the digital services sector, the startup ecosystem is now backed by seasoned founders, robust policy frameworks, and a vast domestic market. This positions the nation to advance in deep-tech manufacturing and industrial innovation. The shift towards manufacturing is set to bolster the 'Made in India' initiative and accelerate the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.