The indicator “State-wise Startups recognised by Startup India“ captures the regional distribution of officially recognised startups across India’s states and union territories under the Startup India initiative, launched in 2016. This classification is based on the location of registration of startups that meet the government’s eligibility criteria, including being a registered entity with less than ₹100 crore turnover, under 10 years of operation, and demonstrating innovation or potential for scalable growth.

This indicator holds significant relevance as it reflects the spread of entrepreneurial activity across India’s diverse geography, offering insights into how startup culture is evolving beyond metropolitan hubs into tier-2 and tier-3 cities. It helps identify states that are emerging as innovation hubs and those that may require targeted policy support or ecosystem development. The data can guide policymakers in assessing the effectiveness of state-level startup policies, infrastructure, and incubation support. It also aids investors and ecosystem stakeholders in identifying high-growth regions and untapped markets. Moreover, understanding regional startup trends can contribute to balanced economic development, reduce regional disparities, and support the vision of inclusive growth. Overall, this indicator is crucial for tracking the decentralisation of India’s startup ecosystem and for shaping data-driven strategies to foster innovation at the grassroots level.