Maharashtra is the Startup Capital of the Country – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai : Maharashtra is leading in the country in terms of investment and number of startups. The state government has created a ‘Fund of Funds’ of ₹120 crores to build an ecosystem for startups, through which economically viable and marketable startups are being financially supported, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The ‘Startup Conclave 2025’ organized jointly by CSIR and three major scientific institutions was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Nesco Center in Goregaon. On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Director of NIO Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director of NCL Dr. Ashish Lele, Director of NEERI and Dr. S. Venkat Mohan, startup entrepreneurs, students, and others were present.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Maharashtra has been blessed with a rich coastline, and there are immense possibilities here for the marine economy. Based on this, thousands of startups can be established, creating new business opportunities. Alongside, how coastal cleanliness can be maintained, and how sustainability can be brought into the marine economy—every such aspect needs innovative thinking and solutions, and this is a major opportunity for startups. Today, emphasis is being laid on new innovations like marine robotics, which is extremely important.

Many institutions are constantly experimenting in solid and liquid waste management. A major part of the pollution in seas, rivers, or drains is not industrial, but caused mostly by other generated waste. If we can process this waste properly with the help of sustainable technology, it will be possible to keep our water resources clean as before. Therefore, there is a tremendous need for innovative technologies and startups in this entire sector.

Today, the startup ecosystem in India is one of the fastest growing ecosystems in the world. After China, the highest number of startups have emerged in India, and in the future, India will become the world’s biggest startup power. Work is underway in Navi Mumbai to establish the most modern ‘Innovation City’ in the country on 300 acres. Startups in the fields of science, technology, biotechnology, data science, and advanced manufacturing will be incubated here. Along with this, an ‘Edu-City’ with campuses of 12 world-class universities will also be established, in which one lakh students will study.

Chief Minister Fadnavis made a special mention of the circular economy and stated that a large number of startups are emerging in the agriculture sector. There is a resolution to make Maharashtra a leader in the country’s startup revolution. With the joint efforts of the central and state governments, we will lead in the field of education and innovation, said CM Fadnavis.

India’s Leap in the Startup Sector, Emergence from Small Towns – Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

The Government of India has charted new ways to promote startup culture. Considering the large share of startups emerging from small towns, everyone should avail of the benefits of various government schemes, said Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh.

In the last 10 years, India has moved from the ‘Fragile Five’ countries directly into the ‘Top Five’ economies. In the Global Innovation Index, India has leapt from 81st to 39th position. Around 2.5 lakh startups are active across the country, of which 49% have emerged from smaller cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.

Currently, 64,480 patents have been filed in the country, out of which 56% have been filed by Indians educated and working in India. This changing mindset and expansion of opportunities is making India self-reliant. For this, the government has launched many schemes. Through initiatives like the NIDHI scheme (National Initiative for Development and Harnessing Innovations), financial, technical, and mentoring support is being provided. Notably, now startup opportunities are also being made available to senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.

In new fields like biotechnology, marine-based resources (Marine Startups), and agricultural technology (Agri-Tech), India’s economy is expected to grow in the next 25 years. The share of agriculture in GDP is currently 30-40%, and the use of technology is essential to increase it. The young generation should actively participate in the startup sector and accept their responsibility towards the dream of ‘Developed India 2047’, urged Union Minister Dr. Singh.

Decision to Frame a New Startup Policy – Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha

Today Maharashtra has the highest number of startups in the country. But in the coming times, this movement must reach from cities to villages. The startup should not remain limited only to technology but should become a power to solve rural problems. Along with this, a decision has been made to frame a new startup policy. The government aims to take this policy beyond urban areas and reach rural regions. This policy is being formulated so that the startup sector becomes a people’s movement, and public opinion is being sought on it, said Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

On this occasion, NIO Director Prof. Singh, NCL Director Dr. Lele, NEERI Director and Dr. Venkat Mohan expressed their thoughts.