New Delhi, February 15
India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than two lakh recognised startups powering innovation and generating employment across the country, former President Ram Nath Kovind said on Sunday.
Addressing an event hosted by Jain International Trade Organisation, Kovind highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s startup landscape and its growing global stature.
Over 100 Indian Startups Achieve Unicorn Status
Kovind noted that more than 100 Indian startups have reached unicorn status, underlining the country’s ability to build high-value enterprises at scale.With global leaders and technology experts converging for the AI Impact Summit, he said India’s global ranking and the rising number of high-value startups reflect the depth of innovation emerging from across the nation. According to him, these enterprises are not only creating jobs but also building world-class companies that compete globally.
Business and Values Must Move Together
Speaking to investors and mentors at ILLUMIN8, JITO’s national startup initiative, Kovind emphasised the importance of ethical entrepreneurship.“Business and values are not opposites, but partners. Profit and purpose must move forward together,” he said.
He added that a society focused solely on profits while neglecting values may progress temporarily, but risks losing direction over time. In contrast, wealth that serves society becomes meaningful, and enterprises rooted in ethics tend to endure.
Startup Story Shifts from Valuation to Value Creation
Jeenendra Bhandari, Chairman of the JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation, said India’s startup journey has evolved beyond headline valuations.According to him, the focus is increasingly on value creation for the real economy. He stated that continued government commitment, including initiatives such as Startup India Fund 2.0, signals strong support for innovation and risk-taking.
Bhandari added that Indian founders are not just building companies but also strengthening economic momentum, creating jobs, and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
India’s Expanding Innovation Footprint
India’s rise as the third-largest startup ecosystem reflects the scale and diversity of entrepreneurial activity across sectors. With over two lakh recognised startups and more than 100 unicorns, the country’s innovation-driven growth continues to reshape its economic landscape while reinforcing its global standing in technology and enterprise development.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
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