Gujarat has seen a significant increase in the number of startups in the last five years. A total of 565 startups were recognized in the state in 2019, while 3,291 startups were recognized in 2023. Along with this, Gujarat has also seen a huge increase in employment opportunities provided by startups. Startups provided 6,077 direct employment opportunities in 2019, which will increase to 48,138 in 2023.
This information was provided by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash in response to a question raised by MP Parimal Nathwani in the Rajya Sabha on February 2, 2024. According to the information given by the minister, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognized a total of 10,604 startups across India in 2019, which will increase to 34,779 in 2023. Also, the employment opportunities provided by these startups across India were 1,23,071 in 2019, which increased to 3,90,512 in 2023.
MP Parimal Nathwani raised the question
Nathwani wanted to know the number of startups registered in India under the Start-up India initiative, how many employment opportunities they have created in the last five years, the impact and contribution of startups to the Indian economy and the number of women-led startups.
According to the minister’s statement, the government had launched the Start-up India initiative on January 16, 2016 with an aim to promote investment in the start-up ecosystem and create a strong ecosystem to promote innovation and startups in the country. Various programs are implemented under this initiative by the government to meet specific objectives. As a result of the continuous efforts of the government, the number of startups recognized by DPIIT has increased to 1,17,254 by 31 December 2023. These recognized startups have made a significant impact on the economy by creating 12.42 lakh direct employment opportunities. Startups are present in almost 80% of the districts in the country, with every state and union territory having at least one recognized startup.
As of December 31, 2023, 55,816 startups recognized by DPIIT since the Start-up India initiative by the government in 2016 have at least one woman director. The government is implementing various schemes/programmes to promote women entrepreneurs.