: Friday, June 19, 2026 8:13 PM
Jaipur. A special event to commemorate the completion of 10 years of Startup India initiative was organized at Bhamashah Techno Hub, Jaipur under the joint aegis of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and Department of Information Technology and Communications (DoIT&C), Government of Rajasthan. Startup founders, experts, investors, industry representatives and departmental officials participated in the program. On this occasion, the achievements of Startup India, future possibilities and the efforts being made towards innovation based development in Rajasthan were discussed in detail.
10 Years of Startup India: A Transformative Journey of Innovation —
The keynote speaker of the program, Atish Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Central Government, gave a special address on the topic ’12 years of government and 10 years of Startup India initiative’. He said that in the year 2016, there were about 400 recognized startups in the country, whereas today this number has increased to more than 2.5 lakh due to the innovations and programs implemented under Startup India. He said that Startup India has developed a new culture of innovation, digitization, entrepreneurship and employment generation in the country and this campaign is playing an important role in achieving the goal of Developed India@2047. He highlighted the transformational journey of Startup India over the last decade and highlighted the significant achievements made under the initiative. He also emphasized the need for strong coordination between the Central and State Governments and presented the outline of the next phase of innovation and entrepreneurship based development.
Rajasthan becomes emerging startup hub
Hailing the achievements of Rajasthan, Singh said that there are more than 8,700 registered startups currently operating in the state, which have so far attracted investments of more than Rs 1,000 crore and have provided direct and indirect employment to more than 47,000 people. He said that more than 3,000 startups in the state are operating under the leadership of women entrepreneurs, which is an excellent example of women empowerment and inclusive economic development. This reflects the state’s continued commitment towards promoting Rajasthan’s achievements, entrepreneurship and innovation. He said that Rajasthan is playing a leading role in building the startup ecosystem. Rajasthan will play a vital role in shaping the next decade of India’s innovation journey.
Digital commerce will get new expansion from ONDC –
Vibhor Jain, Managing Director and CEO, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), while addressing the special session at the event, said that startups and MSMEs can expand their reach to new customers, new markets and business opportunities by using ONDC’s open network based infrastructure. In this session, information about ‘Amazing India’ initiative for women entrepreneurs, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) and Self Help Groups (SHG) was shared. Also, the processes and opportunities related to digital procurement through DigiDukan for Kirana Stores and General Trade Retailers were also highlighted in detail. It is noteworthy that DigiDukan has connected more than 10,000 retailers and more than 35 brands to its platform in Hyderabad. The company has also started operating services in Jaipur through its DigiVyapar platform from June 19, 2026.
Jain said that through ONDC there is a special focus on addressing those barriers and challenges which the market cannot effectively resolve on its own. He said that our objective is to develop a shared digital infrastructure, making digital commerce more accessible, affordable and efficient for businesses of all sizes. We also aim to connect startups, MSMEs and ecosystem innovators with this network to promote innovation and ensure active participation in building the future of digital commerce in India.
Emphasis on empowering the startup ecosystem –
The event featured interactions with startup founders, incubators, investors and industry representatives. The participants shared their views on issues related to financial assistance, market availability, technical cooperation, promotion of research and innovation. On this occasion, information about various schemes, incentive policies and support mechanisms being provided to startups of the Central and State Government was also given.
Important role of innovation in the goal of Developed India@2047
In their addresses, the speakers said that innovation and entrepreneurship are the main pillars of economic progress. The Startup India initiative has inspired the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. The program emphasized that India can be established as a global innovation power through technology-based solutions, research, digitalization and entrepreneurship. Also, a resolution was expressed to continue efforts to further strengthen the innovation-friendly environment in Rajasthan and expand the startup ecosystem.
At the beginning of the program, Ritika Pandya, Joint Director, Information Technology and Communications Department, gave the welcome address.
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Web Title-10 Years of Startup India Celebrated at Bhamashah Techno Hub; DPIIT Additional Secretary Atish Kumar Singh States: Entrepreneurship is the Foundation of Viksit Bharat@2047