The Government of India continues to strengthen the startup ecosystem through targeted funding and support initiatives under the Startup India programme, launched on January 16, 2016, to promote innovation and investment across the country.
As of January 31, 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised 2,12,283 startups. Notably, 1,02,054 of these startups have at least one woman serving as a director or partner, reflecting a strong rise in women’s participation in entrepreneurship.
According to data maintained by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), 6,789 recognised startups have shut down(either dissolved or struck off). Among these, 2,950 startups had at least one woman director or partner.
To support startups at different stages of growth, the government has introduced key schemes such as:
- Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) – Managed by SIDBI, this scheme supports SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which in turn invest in startups. As of January 2026, AIFs have invested around ₹25,859 crore, including ₹2,995 crore in women-led startups since 2020.
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) – Launched in April 2021, this scheme provides early-stage funding through incubators. So far, about ₹592 crore has been approved, with ₹294 crore allocated to women-led startups.
- Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) – Operational since April 2023 and managed by NCGTC, this scheme enables easier access to debt funding. Loans worth ₹925 crore have been guaranteed, including ₹39 crore for women-led startups.
In terms of performance:
- Under FFS, 1,382 startups were supported, with 17 later closing down.
- Under SISFS, 3,311 startups received funding, with 26 closures recorded.
- Under CGSS, 281 startups were supported, with only 1 closure.
The data highlights the growing scale of India’s startup ecosystem, along with increasing participation of women entrepreneurs and sustained government support through funding and policy initiatives.
The information was shared in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada.
Source : PIB
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