Industry leaders commentaries on National Startup Day

• by Mr Karun Tadepalli, CEO and Co-founder of ByteXL

“National Startup Day commemorates the spirit of the relentless innovation and determination that define India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startups are not just businesses; they are revolutionary visions that address critical problems, generate employment, and stimulate the economy. From revolutionizing digital payments through UPI to achieving breakthroughs in space technology, Indian businesses are at the forefront, showcasing the strength of fortitude, creativity, and vision.

As we move towards a future powered by creativity and technology, it is essential that we support this growing ecosystem with policies that support accessibility, foster innovation, and elevate talent across the country. By harnessing the huge talent pool and promoting equitable development, startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, in particular, have the opportunity to completely rewrite our growth story. “

• by Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Co-Founder, of Marut Drones

“A significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian startup ecosystem has been the rise of startups from non-metro cities, which now account for 51% of DPIIT-registered ventures. This shift highlights the democratization of entrepreneurship in India, driven by increased internet penetration, digital financial inclusion, and government-backed initiatives like Startup India, SMAM, and NAMO Drone Didi Scheme. Entrepreneurs from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are uniquely positioned to solve hyper-local challenges in agriculture, healthcare, mobility, and other critical sectors, creating lasting social and economic impact.

We have seen how a supportive ecosystem—rooted in progressive policies, access to funding, and a focus on skill development—can unlock immense potential. The increasing adoption of emerging technologies like drones, AI, and geospatial intelligence in sectors like agritech and logistics has opened up unprecedented opportunities.

Continued simplification of regulatory processes, increased investment in R&D and deep tech, and a sharper focus on skilling and mentoring in non-metro regions will not only enhance innovation but also ensure inclusive growth. With cross-border collaborations and strategic partnerships, Indian startups will scale globally and position India as a startup hub.”

• by Mr Murali Bukkapatnam, Chair, TiE Global Board of Trustees 2025

“On National Startup Day, we celebrate the remarkable growth of India’s startup ecosystem, including over 100 unicorns with a collective valuation of over 350 billion USD. Most of these startups primarily cater to the service industry in India and abroad. With the right mentorship, investments, and government subsidies, startups can shift their focus from service-driven growth to manufacturing, which will help boost the economy in the long run and create more employment opportunities.

Skill development programs to develop technical and managerial skills along with public-private collaborations to bridge the gap between the services and manufacturing sector, are the need of the hour. As of 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized 1,40,803 entities as startups. Since the launch of the Startup India initiative in 2016, DPIIT-recognized startups have created over 15.53 lakh direct jobs. We have to ride the wave and utilize the youth population of the country.”

• by Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder & Director, Freyr Energy

“Startups are at the forefront of driving change in clean energy, and it’s truly inspiring to witness their impact. Solar energy has become a cornerstone of India’s sustainable development goals, with supportive policies like subsidies, tax incentives, and streamlined approvals playing a critical role in enabling their growth. The surge in climate tech investments is a testament to the potential of sustainable technologies, with private equity and venture capitalists stepping up to back these innovations. Green bonds and ESG-driven funds are gaining traction, channeling much-needed resources into groundbreaking solutions for climate change. To further accelerate this progress, simplifying compliance, providing clear guidelines, and fostering strong public-private partnerships are essential. With the right support, startups can scale their efforts, significantly contributing to India’s clean energy transition and the achievement of global climate goals.”