Last Updated:
National Startup Day serves as a reminder of the Indian government’s dedication to fostering and honouring the startup community’s important contributions to the advancement of the country.
National Startup Day is celebrated with the theme of ‘Let’s shape the future together — one innovative idea at a time’. (Image: Shutterstock)
National Startup Day is observed on January 16. The day aims to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship that boosts economic growth, innovation, and job creation. It provides a forum for honouring the work of startups that upend established marketplaces, transform industries, and motivate upcoming generations of businesspeople.
This day serves as a reminder of the Indian government’s dedication to fostering and honouring the startup community’s important contributions to the advancement of the country. It is celebrated with the theme of ‘Let’s shape the future together — one innovative idea at a time’.
National Startup Day: 2025 History
Established on January 15, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the day highlights the vital role that startups play in stimulating innovation, boosting economic growth, and enabling entrepreneurial ambition.
When the Startup India Scheme was introduced in 2016, the idea of recognising startups gained interest. Since then, the Indian government has launched a number of programs aimed at encouraging innovation and creating a welcoming atmosphere for new businesses.
In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed January 16 to be National Start-up Day in recognition of the economic contributions made by entrepreneurs in India. The declaration, which highlighted the importance of entrepreneurial endeavours, was made during the inaugural Startup India Innovation Week.
What the Industry Leaders Say
Indian Startups: Bold Movements Shaping the Future, Led by Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs
Sameet Gupte, Co-Founder and CEO of EvoluteIQ, believes that Indian startups are not just businesses but “movements” driven by bold ideas and a fearless commitment to creating extraordinary impacts, with entrepreneurs challenging the status quo and leading with purpose, making the ecosystem not only exciting but unstoppable as it shapes the future.
“These “movements” are not just about technology innovation or funding – these are about real life impacts. It’s about the audacity of the Indian entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and lead with purpose. It is this new age spirit of innovation that is making the Indian startup ecosystem not just exciting, but also unstoppable. India’s startups are shaping the future, and I am proud to be part of this incredible journey.”
India’s Startup Revolution: Pioneering Change and Creating New Opportunities in Web3, AI, and Crypto
Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, highlights that India’s startup ecosystem, with over 1.5 lakh startups and more than 100 unicorns, has become a powerful engine of growth, creating millions of jobs and redefining industries.
“As we celebrate National Start-Up Day 2025, start-ups in sectors like Web3, AI, and crypto are at the forefront of this revolution. As new companies solve new-age problems, there is a paradigm shift in the way business is transacted, and value is created. Effectively, the start-up revolution has enhanced transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency. For example, crypto startups are unlocking new opportunities for digital wealth creation, cross-border remittances, and tokenizing of assets.”
“The startup journey is a testament to the immense potential of visionary founders who challenge the status quo. If policymakers and stakeholders continue to collaborate and foster a supportive framework, India’s startup ecosystem will remain a beacon of progress for the country,” he added.
VIRGIO: Pioneering Sustainable Fashion and Innovation in India’s Startup Ecosystem
According to Amar Nagaram, Founder & CEO, VIRGIO, National Startup Day serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of innovation and bold reforms in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“At VIRGIO, we are harnessing the synergy between technology and sustainability to redefine fashion—bringing high-end global trends to India while ensuring that style and elegance do not come at the expense of our planet’s well-being,” he said.
“As an entrepreneur and former technologist, I firmly believe that while technology has transformed most industries for the better, fashion has largely been left behind. Through VIRGIO, I aim to drive positive change in one of the world’s largest—and most polluting—sectors. From identifying global trends to delivering them in smart, sustainable fabrics, our AI-driven trend mapping system and innovation have made us one of the first brands to launch collections that are both stylish and responsible.”
“A challenger mindset is what sets startups apart and helps them break through markets. Our journey has been fueled by an unwavering commitment to conscious consumption, balancing growth with reduced environmental impact. This is just the beginning of an exhilarating journey. India’s startup landscape is ripe for revolution, and we are thrilled to be an integral part of it.”
National Startup Day: 2025 Significance
The day is extremely important since it offers a specific forum for commemorating the achievements of the startup community. It gives business owners a chance to exchange ideas, talk about breakthroughs, and take stock of their experiences. Additionally, National Startup Day highlights the vital role that entrepreneurs play in promoting job creation and economic progress.
National Startup Day: 2025 Celebrations
National start up day is celebrated nationwide in following ways:
- Startup Exhibitions: Showcases of inventions from companies in a range of sectors, including sustainability, technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
- Workshops & Webinars: Information-sharing events with capitalists, industry experts, and successful business owners who shares thoughts on funding options, scaling plans, and startup methods.
- Networking Opportunities: Gatherings of mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs to form beneficial alliances and partnerships.
- Acknowledgement & Awards: Honouring exceptional startups with prizes for scalability, social impact, and innovation.
- Campus Outreach Programs: Using startup placements ,plans and mentoring sessions to inspire college students to consider entrepreneurship
National Startup Day Quotes
- The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams. – Oprah Winfrey
- The best way to predict the future is to create it. -Alan Kay
- It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. – Scott Belsky
- The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. – Mark Zuckerberg
- A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business. – Henry Ford
- A big business starts small.” – Richard Branson, English business magnate, investor, author, and philanthropistIf Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters.” – Claire Cook
- Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. –Bill Gates
- A big business starts small. – Richard Branson
- Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. –Steve Jobs
- I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying. –Jeff Bezos
